EFFICIENCY OF OUT-OF-FIELD TEACHERS TEACHING PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUBJECTS AMONG DISTRICT V PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS

Abstract

Changes in the educational landscape often lead to teachers being assigned to subjects outside their expertise. Out-of-field teachers are typically appointed to address faculty shortages, which may impact the quality of education. Physical education teachers play a critical role in imparting theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and firsthand experiences that contribute to students' holistic development. Their ability to foster a physically active lifestyle is essential to students' overall well-being and learning outcomes. This study examines the efficiency of out-of-field teachers in teaching physical education and the challenges they face in delivering quality instruction. This study employed a quantitative research method using a descriptive design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 out-of-field public high school teachers teaching physical education in large schools within District V, Quezon City. Data were collected through survey questionnaires and analyzed to identify key themes and sub-themes. The main themes included the efficiency of out-of-field teachers with sub-themes of adaptability, evaluation, and adjustments, as well as challenges encountered in teaching physical education, including subject mastery, pedagogical development, and skill demonstration. Findings indicate that out-of-field teachers can effectively deliver instruction, receiving positive feedback from both students and administrators. Despite their lack of specialization, they adapt well to the curriculum and demonstrate resilience in teaching physical education. However, subject mastery remains a challenge, affecting their ability to develop pedagogical strategies and execute skill demonstrations effectively. Teachers with expertise in the subject tend to have fewer instructional difficulties and require fewer adjustments in lesson planning and content delivery. Mastery of subject matter, pedagogical development, and skill demonstration are crucial to effective teaching and learning in physical education. Teaching this subject extends beyond theoretical discussions, as it requires active participation and hands-on skill execution. Students benefit most when they engage in practical applications of learned concepts. Addressing the challenges faced by out-of-field teachers through targeted training and professional development can enhance their efficiency in delivering quality physical education instruction.