Use of Athletics and Debate in Developing Competencies Among Learners:Perception of Teachers

Abstract

Abstract The study investigated Teachers Perception of the Use of Athletics and Debate in Developing Competencies among learners in secondary schools in Kenya. The Objectives of the study were: To determine teachers’ perception of participation in athletics in developing competencies among learners; and to examine teachers’ perception of participation in debates in developing competencies among learners. A descriptive research design was used in describing teacher’s perception of the use of debate and athletics in developing competencies among learners. The target population comprised of 80 teachers who were in charge of co-curricular activities. Census sampling technique was used hence all the 80 teachers formed the study sample. Questionnaires were used to collect data. To ensure validity, the instruments were reviewed by an expert supervisor. The researcher conducted a pilot study of the questionnaires to test their reliability. Data was analyzed and interpreted according to the objectives. It was presented using frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that Use of Athletics and Debate in developing competencies among learners in secondary schools facilitated in building confidence, promoting citizenship, communication and collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, imagination and social skills. The researcher recommends that: learners should be allowed to choose the kind of co-curricular activity they want to participate in, schools should create time for co-curricular activities during formal school hours, the Government of Kenya should come up with a policy to ensure co-curricular activities are made compulsory in all secondary schools. The overall outcome of the study will contribute to existing knowledge and provide baseline data for further studies on the use of co-curricular activities in developing competencies among learners. Keywords: co-curricular activities, Athletics, Debate, Competencies, learners