Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of Teachers and Learners on The Effects of Sport for Development Programmes on Education Outcomes in Western Cape Schools.

• Main Author: Sampson, Esther
• Other Authors: Kubeka, Alvina
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Humanities 2020
• Subjects: Social Development
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/30861

The challenges facing South Africa’s education system are too often a barrier obstructing youth’s success. High drop out rates, large classroom sizes and poor attendance all contribute to inadequate and inconsistent learning. In an effort to remedy the problem, many interventions have been introduced, including sport for development programmes. In order to assess the impact of one type of intervention, this qualitative study explored the perceptions of sport for development participants and their teachers on the impact that CoolPlay has had on educational outcomes. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 14 CoolPlay participants; age 14-18 and 5 teachers; with 1-25 years teaching experience. The primary purpose of the study was to assess the opinions and perceptions regarding CoolPlay’s impact on education outcomes by participating students and their teachers. The researcher achieved this by evaluating the following factors: participants’ attendance at school, engagement in the classroom, confidence in learning and number of other important elements that impact educational outcomes. The findings demonstrated that CoolPlay has had a noticeable impact on the participants’ educational achievements as well as their holistic development. This outcome was clearly noticed by the participants and corroborated by teacher interviews. Findings included: improved school attendance, increased confidence in the classroom and a clearer understanding of the importance of school, its impact on their future and improved goal directed behaviours. Improvements in social and educational competencies have contributed to educational achievements. It was evident from the study that CoolPlay has impacted its participants’ educational outcomes. CoolPlay’s primary goal of imparting valuable life skills along with social-emotional competencies equip South Africa’s youth for a better future. Key findings are as follows: a positive coach/participant relationship is critical to good outcomes. In addition, the coach/teacher relationship is a key component to success. This study has demonstrated the need for on-going research and assessment of sport for development programmes and their impacts on education outcomes in the Western Cape and South Africa. Quality assessment will lead to evidence based models and ensure positive impacts.