ERIC Number: EJ1058307
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Jun
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: N/A
Improving Academic Performance of School-Age Children by Physical Activity in the Classroom: 1-Year Program Evaluation
Mullender-Wijnsma, Marijke J.; Hartman, Esther; de Greeff, Johannes W.; Bosker, Roel J.; Doolaard, Simone; Visscher, Chris
Journal of School Health, v85 n6 p365-371 Jun 2015
Background: An intervention was designed that combined physical activity with learning activities. It was based upon evidence for positive effects of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on academic achievement. The aim of this study was to describe the program implementation and effects on academic achievement after 1?year. Methods: Second- and third-grade classes of 6 elementary schools were included in the study. The intervention group participated in physically active academic lessons and the control group in regular classroom lessons. Implementation measures were obtained and the children were pretested and posttested on mathematics and reading. Results: Teacher observations and self-reports indicated that the lessons were implemented as planned. Classroom observations showed that children's on-task behavior during the lessons was above 70%. On the basis of heart rate measures, on average 64% of the lesson time was spent in MVPA. Posttest mathematics and reading scores of third-grade children who participated in the intervention were significantly higher in comparison with control children. Posttest mathematics scores of second-grade children in the intervention condition were significantly lower in comparison with control children. Conclusions: The intervention program was successfully implemented and the lessons contributed to the academic outcomes of third-grade children.
Descriptors: Program Effectiveness, Intervention, Physical Activities, Academic Achievement, Control Groups, Experimental Groups, Comparative Analysis, Pretests Posttests, Observation, Program Implementation, Time on Task, Exercise Physiology, Mathematics Achievement, Reading Achievement, Scores, Grade 3, Elementary School Students, Learning Activities, Holistic Approach, Teaching Methods, Grade 2
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 3; Primary Education; Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 2
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A