Physically Active Learning

Physically active learning increases both lesson-time and long-term educational outcomes, new study finds. ​

As the name suggests, "physically active learning" simply adds an element of physical activity to other teaching and learning strategies. Such physical activity can take place outdoors or in a classroom setting. Likewise, the “embedded physical activity can be specifically relevant to the learning task at-hand, or task non-relevant but still occurring simulatenously in the taught session” (all quotes are from the study referenced below.) In this sense, “physically active lessons are distinct from ‘brain’ or ‘active breaks’ which allow bouts of in-class activity without educational content.”

Theoretically, physical activity should enhance learning by :

• Keeping students aroused, thus supporting engagement and preventing boredom and off-task behaviors.

 

• Mobilizing mind-body connections, thus strengthening memory formation.
  
  

To test this positive inluence of physically active learning on educational outcomes, researchers recently conducted a meta-analysis, systematically reviewing scientific studies addressing this research question. More precisely, the team focused on two different outcomes: 
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• Lesson-time educational outcome: the researchers summarized the findings of 7 studies involving a total of 1,416 students (mostly at preschool and elementary levels) and measuring the impact of physically active learning on “time-on-task”.

 

• Overall educational outcome: the researchers summarized the findings of 25 studies involving a total of 3,214 students (mostly at preschool and elementary levels) and measuring the impact of physically active learning on academic performance.

In both cases, the impact was found to be positive and statistically significant. Indeed, the effect size was high for  “time-on-task” (0.81) and small to medium (0.36) on academic performance. 

In a class of 20 students with a mean grade of 85% and an average difference of 8.5 percentage points, embedding simple physical activities (such as performing a different movement for right and wrong answers, or walking around the room while reading) could thus increase the average performance to 88% and help two below-average students catch up with the rest of the class.

Educational psychologists usually recommend that school leaders focus on powerful initiatives, defined as having an effect size approaching 0.4 or higher. Physically active learning is right at the limit, but it is also an exceedingly simple strategy to implement. In addition, its benefits are likely concentrated on students with special needs and learning challenges. Likewise, physically active learning is also an effective "hook" that can help make further learning strategies possible.

Reference: Norris, Van Steen, Direito, Stamatakis, “Physically active lessons in school and their impact on physical activity, educational, health and cognition outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis”, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019.