ATTITUDE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TOWARD PARTICIPATING IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

The study was carried out to help find the attitude of secondary school students toward participating in recreational activities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. A survey research design was used for the study. It is estimated that the number of secondary school student in Jos north as of the time of the study are close to 22,618 students, out of these the total sample size of 211 were used for the study, a structured questionnaire of five sections was used to elicit information on their attitude towards recreational activities, types of recreational activities secondary school student engage in, problems secondary school student encounter in recreational activities, factors influencing the choice of recreational activities for nonparticipation, and factors influencing the choice of recreational activities for participation. The instrument was validated and a reliability coefficient index of 0.8 was obtained. The attitude of secondary school students toward participating in recreational activities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were as a result of always thinking of recreational activities (2.3), I love participating in recreational activities (1.3), again, others are recreational activities are based on my physical abilities (1.9), and I don’t like recreational activities (1.7). The types of recreational activities secondary school students engage in, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were reading 179 (84.80) and going to the movies110 (52.10). The problems secondary school students encounter in recreational activities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were shortage and lack of facilities of recreational activities 158 (72.57), and lack of qualified teachers on recreational activities 123 (58.29). The factors influencing the choice of recreational activities for non-participation in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were lack or poor recreational equipment and facilities 157 (74.41), and long distance and transportation to the recreational facilities 124 (58.77). The factors influencing the choice of recreation activities for participation in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State is it improves health and physical fitness 200 (94.79), and it provides deliverance from boredom 154 (72.98). Based on the foregoing it was recommended that Attitudes such as I always think of recreational activities and I love participating in recreational activities are the attitude of secondary school student towards participating in recreational activities in Jos North local government area, plateau state. School authority and school teachers should note the positive attitude of school student towards recreation and put more emphasis, if possible participate with them to encourage them maintain the positive attitude towards recreation for the improvement of good health and fitness.