The Effects of Movement in the Classroom

By Carrie Jean Braniff

Abstract:

This is an action research study by way of [collecting] data, observation notes, and journal entries from the students during classroom activities. These journal entries the students included surveys that were completed at the beginning and end of the study. Collecting articles from journals and books was also part of [the] study. After much data collection [information was organized] into themes around patterns that became evident during [the] observations. The themes that were evident included: movement affected classroom management, students were eager to move, movement impacted learning, the physical location of seat work affected learning, movement impacted alertness and attention, and movement impacted nerves and well-being of the students. This study found that exercise in the classroom helped students to reach their potential. It also reduced stress for the students. Exercise has a valuable place in the classroom.

Reference:

Braniff, Carrie Jean (2011) “The Effects of Movement in the Classroom,” Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research: Vol. 13: Iss. 1. https://dx.doi.org/10.4148/2470-6353.1089