The challenges of teaching physical education: Juxtaposing the experiences of physical education teachers in Kenya and Victoria (Australia)

Abstract

This qualitative study compares the experiences of Kenyan and Victorian secondary school Physical Education teachers with the aim of discovering what they can learn from each other. Through in-depth interviews with four experienced PE teachers; two each from Kenya and Victoria, and using phenomenological research methods, the study sought to gain an understanding of the teachers’ experiences in relation to curriculum, pedagogy and administration of PE programmes in their secondary schools. From these experiences the study identified the challenges faced by teachers in both Kenya and Victoria. There is a lot that PE teachers can learn from each other in matters concerning curriculum time allocation, class sizes, teachers’ professional affiliation, examination and assessment, school sport, and use of technology, among others. Knowledge and understanding of these experiences may be of great help not only to teachers but also to education officials, curriculum planners and school boards.

Keywords: Physical Education, challenges, teaching, Kenya, Australia.