Non-Selection of Physical Education as Elective Course: The Views of Colleges of Education Trainees in Ashanti Region

Abstract

Since the beginning of its existence, physical education has been an essential component in the growth and maturation of students, chiefly those earliest on infancy. Physical Education has also addressed problems regarding obesity and inactivity of both children and adults. The goal aimed at thoroughly analyze the variables that prevent trainees from choosing PE as an elective in the Colleges of Education in Ghana's Ashanti Region the Social Cognitive career theory was the research's theoretic basis. The researcher used a qualitative research approach, and data was gathered from primary sources using scheduled interviews that targeted 20 trainees, 4 management members, and 8 PE tutors from the Ashanti's eight Colleges of Education, including; Agogo Presbyterian, Agona SDA, Akrokerri, Offinso, Mampong Technical, St. Monica’s, St. Louis’, and Wesley Colleges of Education. Further, the study adopted the phenomenological qualitative research design. The research found that Physical Education's non-selection by trainees was due to difficulty, lack of interest, absence from college curricula, poor information and understanding, and misconceptions. The study also revealed whether internal documents or policies that guide the selection or mounting of courses did not exist.as courses were mounted by external organizations. The study also showed schools inadequate PE tutors. It supported awareness, early education, hands-on knowledge, human resource improvement, and well-being as strategic strategies solutions to the problem of colleges of education not offering Physical Education as an elective subject.