Primary School Playground and Pupils Physical Skill Acquisition

Hafees Tosin Sulyman(1),


(1) Kwara State University
Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study examined the relationship between primary school playground quality and pupils’ physical skill acquisition in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Using simple random sampling, eight private and ten public primary schools were selected. Data were collected using two instruments: the Primary School Playground, Materials, Qualities and Activities Checklist (PSPMQA) and the Rating Scale for Pupils’ Skill Acquisition (RSPA), with a reliability index of 0.75. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests, were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that most playgrounds were spacious, safe, and equipped with basic materials such as swings and sand areas, and common activities included running and ball games. Despite these conditions, pupils’ overall physical skill acquisition level was low. Playground qualities and activities significantly influenced skill acquisition, while no significant differences were found based on gender or school type. The study recommends increased institutional support and awareness programs to promote effective playground utilization.

Keywords


Physical Skill Acquisition; Playground; Primary School

References


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