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Articles 1 - 11 of 11

Full-Text Articles in Education

Influence Of Step Tracking And Heart Rate Monitoring On Student Participation, John Sparrow Apr 2024

Influence Of Step Tracking And Heart Rate Monitoring On Student Participation, John Sparrow

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research was driven by the teacher’s interest in introducing pedometers and heart rate monitors into the physical education setting. The goal was to see the influence they would have on student participation during class. The researcher used quantitative data collection over a two-week period. Data was collected using an Accusplit Eagle 120XL pedometer for steps and a Polar OH1+ heart rate monitor for heart rate. The research was conducted to analyze the influence pedometers and heart rate monitors have on student participation in PE. The researcher is a K-12 physical education teacher in his twentieth year of teaching. …


Implementation Of Classroom Physical Activity For Middle School Students, Blake Nicols Jul 2022

Implementation Of Classroom Physical Activity For Middle School Students, Blake Nicols

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this school improvement plan is to increase the minutes of physical activity experienced by middle school students during the school day. Students are falling short in meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. With most schools returning to prior COVID-19 pandemic in-person learning, emphasis on students catching up in the core academic subjects such as math and reading exists. Time spent implementing classroom physical activity not only increases physical activity minutes, but it also has positive impacts on student focus, behavior, and academic performance. As students transition from the elementary school setting to secondary …


Playground Improvement Plan, Joan Ketelsen Jul 2022

Playground Improvement Plan, Joan Ketelsen

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Physical activity is important to the growth and development of children of all ages. The purpose of this paper is to use what we know about physical activity and the connection between social development, cognitive development and overall health to physical activity to improve the current opportunities for physical activity in school age children. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) mastery level of students will be used to implement this improvement plan as well as incorporating more physical activity opportunities in the school day to promote more movement and less sedentary time in the school day on a regular basis and to …


Using Physical Activity To Improve Reading Comprehension, Jensen Flanigan Jul 2021

Using Physical Activity To Improve Reading Comprehension, Jensen Flanigan

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Student reading proficiency lags grade-level expectations in the majority of the United States. Much research has demonstrated the moderating impact of student motivation on reading scores. The purpose of this action research was to study the effects of physical activity on reading motivation and reading comprehension, with a special focus on readers at risk for reading deficiencies as identified by FAST testing. The research was carried out on eighteen third grade students in rural Iowa, seven of whom were at risk for reading deficiency. The use of physical activity had a positive effect on both reading motivation and reading comprehension, …


Incorporating Physical Activity Breaks Before Math Improves Students Overall On-Task Behavior, Larissa Surprenant Jul 2021

Incorporating Physical Activity Breaks Before Math Improves Students Overall On-Task Behavior, Larissa Surprenant

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study will focus on incorporating physical activity before math into a Kindergarten classroom, to help improve on-task behavior. The study was conducted over a four-week period in one Kindergarten classroom. Data was collected to determine if physical activity or brain breaks help improve students' on-task behavior during the math mini-lesson. Two weeks consisted of the students not receiving the brain break/physical activity intervention and the next two weeks consisted of implementing the brain break/physical activity intervention. After the four-week trial, students showed increased on-task behavior after completing the brain break/physical activity. The conclusion stated …


Participation In Physical Education And The Effect On Mental Health, Kacie O'Connor Apr 2021

Participation In Physical Education And The Effect On Mental Health, Kacie O'Connor

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review is an examination of the effects physical education has on students’ mental health. The importance of youth’s mental health is a critical topic. Physical activity is a large part of having good mental health. This literature review aims to provide insights into the effects physical activity and physical education have on students/youth mental health. The mental health issue in the United States is higher than ever before and needs to be addressed. Researchers have determined physical activity is consistent with increased mental health in students. Regular physical activity, whether it is in a physical education class or …


Brain Breaks Improve Student Behavior And Focus, Meghan M. Barker Apr 2021

Brain Breaks Improve Student Behavior And Focus, Meghan M. Barker

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine the impact of brain breaks, or physical activity breaks, when implemented as a transition to learning centers in the preschool classroom. Learning centers consist of small group time, one-on-one time with the teacher, and whole group time where important preschool state standards are taught. The study was conducted over five weeks in two preschool classrooms. One classroom was designated as the control group, and the other classroom as the treatment group. Data was collected to determine if brain breaks had an impact on student focus and behavior. After five weeks …


The Importance Of Physical Activity In Early Childhood Development, Kathleen Stuart Apr 2021

The Importance Of Physical Activity In Early Childhood Development, Kathleen Stuart

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Programming in early childhood has become increasingly academic, with less consideration for whole-child development. This new emphasis has influenced not only pre-k programs, but also programs serving toddlers and infants. As a result of this focus on academic skills, children from birth to five years old are spending more time in sedentary, academically focused activities and less time in meaningful play and physical activity. Children are no longer afforded the time and opportunity to participate in the robust play activities that are one of the essential elements in whole-child development. This literature review focuses on research that advocates for physical …


Physical Activity To Help Students Perform Better In The Classroom, David Rubis Jul 2020

Physical Activity To Help Students Perform Better In The Classroom, David Rubis

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review evaluates how physical activity can improve student academic performance. Articles from the last decade provide strong evidence students, given access to physical activity, show improved academic performance. Physical activity improves the brain's functioning and different kinds of physical activity impact cognitive performance. Researchers acknowledged a strong correlation between physical activity and the development of overall wellness and academic confidence. Research also shows students with learning and cognitive disabilities benefit academically and behaviorally from physical activity. Physical activity is an essential element of the development of children and adolescents.


Effects Of Movement On Student Achievement, Nicole Davidson Jul 2019

Effects Of Movement On Student Achievement, Nicole Davidson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review explores the effect that movement has on the achievement of elementary aged students. The research provided through scholarly articles, journals, and books, explains why there is a need for movement activities in the classroom and how physical activity effects the engagement and success of children in a positive way. This literature review examines the constructive impact that movement plays on the brain activity of young children in their early developmental stages of life. Studies also provide research that examine how the overall health of children can benefited by the amount of movement that their body receives daily. …


The Impact Of Physical Activity On Academic Growth, Elizabeth Jane Merritt May 2017

The Impact Of Physical Activity On Academic Growth, Elizabeth Jane Merritt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there is a proven benefit to linking physical activity of the whole student learner and their overall academic growth of students in a kindergarten classroom. Implementation of a well-designed and planned physical activity curriculum was used with fidelity over a period of four months. Data was collected in both formats of quantitative and qualitative from students, teachers, parents and administration. Analysis of the data concludes that student academic growth was increased as a result of the increased physical activity of the students.