Physical education teachers’ compliance with professional Code of ethics & conduct in Tanzania
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Date
2012-09
Authors
Stephen, M.
Mwangi, Peter Wanderi
Daniel, M.M.
Mwisukha, A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Educational Science and Research (JESR)
Abstract
Every profession considers the development and application of a Professional Code of Ethics and
Conduct (PCEC) as a means of maintaining acceptable professional standards. As for the teaching
profession, teachers are supposed to exhibit a high level of professionalism, responsibility, integrity,
competence, character, respect and honesty. Such moral virtues are imperative for Physical Education (PE)
teachers since their work involves close interactions with students in and outside the classroom and school
contexts. The purpose of this study was to determine the compliance level of PE teachers with the PCEC in
Tanzania. The study utilized descriptive survey design and was conducted in secondary schools and teachers’
colleges that had PE and sport programs. Purposive sampling was adopted to select PE teachers, heads of
institutions and students and data were collected through questionnaire. This study was a survey type
research that aims at determining physical education teachers’ compliance with professional code of ethics
and conduct in Tanzania. Participants were 52 physical education teachers, 21 heads of institutions, 720
students and 398 who were either studying PE or participating in school sport, and 16 TSD officials. The
instrument of this study was developed by the researcher based on the Tanzania’s public service regulations
and literature review. Results from PE teachers, heads of institutions and student questionnaires’ revealed
that, PE teachers complied with the professional code of ethics and conduct at high levels (M = 4.11, SD =
.53). There were no significant differences in compliance levels among PE teachers across age (p = .868),
gender (p = .502), marital status (p = .208) and teaching experience (p = .469). However, significant
differences in compliance levels among physical education teachers were observed across their educational
levels (p = .002), and across institutional variables of location (p = .000), ownership (p = .000), and type of
institutions (p = .000). It was concluded that: PE teachers possess adequate knowledge of PCEC; and the
level of education and religiosity are determinant factors for the knowledge of the PCEC. It was
recommended that there is a need to strengthen professional development courses for teachers and emphasize
Journal of Educational Science
and Research (JESR)
ISSN 2278-4950
Vol.2, Issue 2 Sep 2012 19 – 35
© TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.,
20
the teaching of moral and professional ethics in the teacher education programs. Moreover, studies should be
conducted to understand the level of compliance with the PCEC among teachers in other specialized subjects.
Description
Journal of Educational Science
and Research (JESR)
ISSN 2278-4950
Vol.2, Issue 2 Sep 2012 19 – 35
Keywords
Compliance, PE Teachers, Professional Code of Ethics, Professional Code of Conduct
Citation
Journal of Educational Science and Research (JESR) ISSN 2278-4950 Vol.2, Issue 2 Sep 2012 19 – 35