Challenges and outcomes of teaching physical education to students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from the point of view of teachers

Challenges and outcomes of teaching physical education to students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from the point of view of teachers

Abstract
This study aimed to identify the challenges and outcomes of teaching physical education to students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from teachers' perspectives. To achieve these goals, the study adopted a descriptive method. The study sample consisted of 108 teachers who worked with students diagnosed with ADHD, such as general education, physical education, or special education teachers in primary schools in Riyadh. The instrument of the study was a questionnaire, which included two main dimensions: 1) challenges teachers face in teaching physical education to students with ADHD, and 2) outcomes of teaching physical education to students with ADHD. The results revealed a high degree of agreement among the sample regarding teachers' challenges. Specifically, challenges related to school facilities were identified as the most significant, followed by challenges related to families, students with ADHD, and teachers, respectively. Additionally, the results indicated a high degree of agreement among the sample regarding the outcomes of teaching physical education to students with ADHD. Behavioral outcomes were identified as the most significant, followed by social and academic outcomes. Moreover, statistically significant differences in the total score of challenges were found according to gender, favoring females, and experience, favoring teachers with 10 or more years of experience. However, no statistically significant differences in challenges were found according to academic qualifications. Additionally, no statistically significant differences in the total score of outcomes were found. The study recommends increasing the number of academically qualified physical education teachers, reconsidering class sizes, and providing necessary school facilities and equipment, such as playgrounds and well-equipped gyms suitable for sports activities, to support sports activities for students with ADHD.
Keywords: Challenges - Outcomes - Students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - Physical education.