Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
Physical Education Pathways
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Physical Education Pathways
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Subject: Physical Education Health Elective
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 13
Grade code: 3.3.1.LI.2
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.3.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.3.1.LI.2
Theme: Academic and Career Pathways
Subtheme: Physical Education Pathways
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This lesson moves beyond simply listing jobs in Physical Education and Health. It focuses on the practical, real-world skills—the "professional competencies"—that make someone effective in a health education career. In Ghana today, with the rise of lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes, and ongoing public health challenges, the need for skilled health educators is greater than ever. This lesson will empower you, the learner, to understand what these professionals actually *do* and to practice some of their key skills, preparing you for potential careers that make a real difference in our communities.
This lesson is built around two core ideas: understanding the careers and understanding the competencies needed to succeed in them. Part 1: What is a Professional Competency? A professional competency is not just about what you know; it's the combination of your knowledge, skills, and attitudes that allows you to perform a job successfully. Think of it like cooking Jollof rice: Knowledge: Knowing the ingredients (rice, tomatoes, onions, spices), the correct ratios, and the cooking time. Skills: The ability to slice onions without crying too much, control the heat, stir properly to prevent burning, and present the food appealingly. Attitudes/Behaviours: Being patient, maintaining a clean kitchen (hygiene), being willing to taste and adjust (feedback), and having a passion for good food.
In Health Education, these three areas are crucial: Knowledge: The scientific and theoretical foundation. (e.g., Human Anatomy, Nutrition Science, Psychology of Behaviour Change). Skills: The practical abilities needed to apply knowledge. (e.g., Communication, Counselling, Programme Planning, Public Speaking). Attitudes: The professional mindset and values. (e.g., Empathy, Professionalism, Integrity, Cultural Sensitivity). Part 2: Key Career Pathways in Health Education (Ghanaian Context)
Here are a few career paths with their associated competencies.
A. Community Health Educator / Officer This professional works directly with communities, often at the CHPS (Community-based Health Planning and Services) compound level or with District Health Directorates. Scenario: A Community Health Officer is tasked with reducing malaria cases in a rural community near a river. Knowledge: The life cycle of the malaria parasite and the Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms and dangers of malaria, especially in pregnant women and children. Effective prevention methods (treated nets, eliminating stagnant water, indoor residual spraying). Local language and cultural beliefs about fever and illness. Skills: Public Speaking: Addressing a community durbar or a group of mothers at a clinic clearly and persuasively. Demonstration: Showing a mother how to properly hang and tuck in a treated mosquito net. Interpersonal Communication: Conducting home visits to talk to families one-on-one, listening to their concerns. Organisation: Planning a community-wide clean-up exercise to clear stagnant water. Attitudes: Patience: Repeating messages and answering the same questions many times. Respect: Understanding and not dismissing local beliefs, but gently guiding them towards scientific best practices.