Teachers' perspectives of teaching year 4 curriculum content of mathematics through physical education : a study with year 4 students

Abstract

Research shows that the need for an increased amount of physical active time in the primary is needed. Recommendations by the World Health Organisation show the need for up to thirty minutes of daily physical activity. (WHO2003) This research focuses on bringing together the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Physical Education through an integrated approach. The study aims at gathering data on the ideas and beliefs of teachers with regards to integrated teaching with emphasis on the teaching of Mathematics through Physical Education. It will be complemented with a sample program for teaching the Year 4 syllabi content of both Mathematics and Physical Education integrated together. The study was conducted through bibliography research on the integrated style of teaching and on the holistic development of the child. A qualitative approach involving interviews was carried out with the teachers in the fourth Year of Primary education in State, Church and Independent schools together with their respective Heads. Although there seems to be a growing awareness amongst both the teachers and Heads of schools about the importance of integrated teaching though the creative arts, not much of it seems to be practiced in schools. The findings of Aquilina (2006) still hold to date because the teachers still complain about the syllabus loading, the time constrains and the examinations as being the main factors hindering regular physical education and integrated teaching through the creative arts in the Primary Schools.