The role of sport education in enhancing critical thinking skills among primary school students in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Critical thinking is a fundamental skill that underpins academic success and lifelong learning. In primary schools, fostering critical thinking from an early age sets the stage for future academic and personal achievements. Sport education offers a unique platform to enhance these skills by encouraging students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information in dynamic and often unpredictable environments. In Jalingo, where primary school education faces challenges such as limited resources and traditional teaching methods, integrating sport education into the curriculum has emerged as a promising strategy (Emeka, 2023). Through structured sports activities, students are exposed to scenarios that require rapid decision-making, strategic planning, and reflective thinking—components that are essential to critical thinking. Research indicates that active participation in sports not only improves physical fitness but also promotes cognitive development by stimulating neural pathways involved in reasoning and problem solving (Uzo, 2024).
The incorporation of sport education in primary schools in Jalingo is particularly significant given the increasing need for innovative teaching methods that bridge the gap between physical and cognitive learning. By engaging in sports, young learners experience firsthand the value of teamwork, persistence, and adaptability. These experiences translate into enhanced critical thinking skills, as students learn to evaluate different strategies and outcomes during gameplay. Moreover, the interactive nature of sports education fosters an environment where questioning, analysis, and open dialogue are encouraged, contributing to a culture of intellectual curiosity. The modern educational paradigm recognizes that cognitive skills such as critical thinking are not solely developed through conventional classroom activities but can be significantly enhanced through experiential learning (Oghene, 2025). In this context, sport education serves as a dual-purpose tool—improving both the physical well-being and intellectual capacities of primary school students. The local educational authorities in Jalingo are increasingly advocating for integrated teaching approaches that leverage the benefits of sports to complement academic instruction. Such initiatives are expected to yield a generation of learners who are not only physically active but also adept at critical analysis, thereby better preparing them for the complexities of future academic and professional environments (Emeka, 2023; Uzo, 2024; Oghene, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the potential benefits of sport education in enhancing critical thinking skills among primary school students, several challenges hinder its effective implementation in Jalingo. Traditional teaching methods, which emphasize rote learning and memorization, continue to dominate the educational landscape, leaving little room for innovative approaches like sport education (Chukwu, 2023). Many primary schools in the area lack the necessary facilities and resources to support structured sports programs that integrate cognitive skill development. Additionally, there is a noticeable shortage of educators who are trained to combine physical activities with cognitive learning strategies. This gap in expertise results in sporadic and poorly structured sport education programs that fail to consistently promote critical thinking.
Furthermore, cultural perceptions that prioritize academic performance over physical activity can lead to minimal student engagement in sports. Parents and educators may undervalue the cognitive benefits associated with physical play, viewing sports as merely recreational rather than as tools for intellectual development (Akinyi, 2024). This undervaluation is compounded by budgetary constraints and a lack of policy support for integrating innovative teaching methods into the curriculum. Consequently, even when sport education initiatives are introduced, they often lack the comprehensive support needed for effective implementation. The resultant gap between the potential and actual benefits of sport education limits the development of critical thinking skills among primary school students. This study aims to investigate these challenges, assess the current status of sport education in primary schools in Jalingo, and propose strategies to effectively harness its potential for enhancing critical thinking skills (Chukwu, 2023; Akinyi, 2024; Oghene, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
• To examine the impact of sport education on critical thinking skills in primary school students.
• To identify barriers to the effective implementation of sport education in Jalingo.
• To propose strategies for integrating cognitive skill development into sport education curricula.
Research Questions
• How does sport education influence the critical thinking abilities of primary school students?
• What are the main challenges in implementing sport education programs in Jalingo?
• What strategies can be employed to enhance the cognitive benefits of sport education?
Research Hypotheses
• H1: Sport education significantly improves critical thinking skills among primary school students.
• H2: Effective integration of cognitive tasks in sports leads to better critical analysis among students.
• H3: Enhanced teacher training in sport-based learning methodologies improves program outcomes.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the innovative integration of sport education to enhance critical thinking skills among primary school students. The findings will provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers in Jalingo, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to education that combines physical and cognitive development. The research aims to shape future curricula and teaching strategies, ensuring balanced academic and physical growth (Uzo, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to primary schools in Jalingo Local Government Area. It focuses exclusively on the role of sport education in enhancing critical thinking skills and does not address other educational methodologies.
Definitions of Terms
• Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze and evaluate information to form reasoned judgments.
• Sport Education: A pedagogical approach that integrates sports activities with academic learning.
• Primary School: An educational institution for young children, typically between the ages of 6 and 12.
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