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Prevalence and sources of burnout in Singapore secondary school physical education teachers
Author
Goh, Wai Leng
Supervisor
Smith, Daniel
Abstract
Most research on teachers' burnout does not differentiate by subject matter. It has usually been assumed that teaching is the same across the board. However, we know that although teaching in general may share similar traits, certain aspects of teachers' burnout are still distinctive of each subject. PE teachers, in particular, have received little attention in the literature of burnout. The purpose of this investigation is twofold: First, it attempts to assess the burnout levels of secondary school PE teachers in Singapore. Second, it tries to identify the specific work conditions of the PE teachers that are related to burnout. Similar to a research design by Fejgin, Ephraty and Ben-Sira (1995), the relationship between burnout and four theoretical dimensions namely psychological (PD), structural-physical (SPD), social (SD) and bureaucratic (BD) aspects (Pines & Aronson, 1981) are examined using bivariate correlations and a regression analysis. The regression equation includes all personal demographics such as gender, age group, marital status and teaching experience with the four work dimensions of 20 items each. Also included is a description of the nature and status of PE as a subject matter in Singapore so a deeper appreciation of the findings is enhanced. It is found that Singapore PE teachers are experiencing only a moderate level of burnout. They perceive BD, PD, and SD to be the main sources of burnout. No significant relationship between teachers' burnout and demographics is found. Through the determination and understanding of the sources of burnout, we may better ameliorate the work environment of PE teachers and thus retain their services in the education field.
Date Issued
2000
Call Number
GV365.5.S55 Goh
Date Submitted
2000