The Influence of Sports Infrastructure and Equipment on the Implementation of Physical Education Lessons in Primary Schools in Diyala

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the current state of infrastructure and its impact on the implementation of physical education (PE) lessons in public primary schools within Diyala Governorate, Iraq. The research was conducted in the context of the challenges these schools face, including inadequate sports fields, gymnasiums, equipment, and safety conditions — all of which are critical for delivering quality physical education. The study stems from field observations by the researcher, who noted significant disparities among schools in terms of available resources, with clear consequences for lesson continuity, student engagement, and educational outcomes.Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the researcher designed and distributed a structured questionnaire targeting PE teachers across various schools in the governorate. The instrument focused on five key areas: availability of fields and sports halls, quality and maintenance of sports equipment, safety measures, regularity of PE sessions, and teacher-student interaction during class. The findings revealed that most schools, particularly those in rural areas, suffer from notable infrastructure deficiencies. These shortcomings were found to negatively affect lesson regularity, student motivation, and the achievement of pedagogical goals. A statistically significant and strong positive correlation was identified between the availability of infrastructure and the effectiveness of PE lesson delivery (r = 0.68, Sig = 0.01), indicating that improved infrastructure directly enhances educational quality.

The study concludes with several recommendations, including the urgent need for increased governmental investment in school sports facilities, regular provision and maintenance of modern sports equipment, improved safety protocols, and ongoing teacher training to cope with limited resources. By addressing these areas, the study aspires to support sustainable development goals in education and serve as a reference for policymakers and educators seeking to reform and elevate the state of physical education in Iraq’s public schools.