Chapter 11 - Is a Revolution Coming?
Learning Objectives
![Lime green bull's eye with arrow.](/uploads/3/8/1/8/38182723/6743200.jpg?107)
By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:
1) summarize research that explains how exercise supports learning,
2) working in a small group, develop a plan to incorporate exercise in their field of study.
1) summarize research that explains how exercise supports learning,
2) working in a small group, develop a plan to incorporate exercise in their field of study.
Chapter Eleven Summary
![white brain on a pencilled in on a bicycle.](/uploads/3/8/1/8/38182723/1937940.jpg?339)
Research, Learning, and Exercise
Doyle cites several researchers with scientific explanations regarding the brain and exercise. The bottom line, in layperson terms, is that exercise creates proteins and neurochemicals that promote brain growth and the ability to retain information. Learning is increased on three levels:
1) Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are produced in the brain from exercise which increases students self-control and ability to be attentive.
2) Nerve cells bind to each other and create new synapses. The creation of new synapses help us to become smarter.
3) In the hippocampus new nerve cells are developed called neurogenesis. The process of neurogensis supports learning and retention (Doyle, 2011).
Doyle cites several researchers with scientific explanations regarding the brain and exercise. The bottom line, in layperson terms, is that exercise creates proteins and neurochemicals that promote brain growth and the ability to retain information. Learning is increased on three levels:
1) Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are produced in the brain from exercise which increases students self-control and ability to be attentive.
2) Nerve cells bind to each other and create new synapses. The creation of new synapses help us to become smarter.
3) In the hippocampus new nerve cells are developed called neurogenesis. The process of neurogensis supports learning and retention (Doyle, 2011).
![elementary classroom with green exercise balls at each desk.](/uploads/3/8/1/8/38182723/9047472.jpg?335)
Exercise in Schools
Research shows that around 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise is a good place to start to benefit learning. However, learning and exercise simultaneously is not a great idea. To incorporate exercise in schools some districts have installed treadmills and exercise bikes in the classrooms. Doyle has several suggestions for adding exercise in higher education situations:
1) Moving discussions. Students have discussions on course materials while walking.
2) Walking critiques. Have students put up projects and demonstrations around the room or building. Students will then walk from project to project to offer peer assessment.
3) Guided tour. Put items that are significant around the room for students to walk from exhibit to exhibit to experience.
4) Allowing Students to Stand and Stretch. Rather than reacting negatively, allow students to stand and stretch when they need a break.
5)Take breaks. Give students short breaks as you move from one activity to another throughout classroom time (Doyle, 2011).
Research shows that around 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise is a good place to start to benefit learning. However, learning and exercise simultaneously is not a great idea. To incorporate exercise in schools some districts have installed treadmills and exercise bikes in the classrooms. Doyle has several suggestions for adding exercise in higher education situations:
1) Moving discussions. Students have discussions on course materials while walking.
2) Walking critiques. Have students put up projects and demonstrations around the room or building. Students will then walk from project to project to offer peer assessment.
3) Guided tour. Put items that are significant around the room for students to walk from exhibit to exhibit to experience.
4) Allowing Students to Stand and Stretch. Rather than reacting negatively, allow students to stand and stretch when they need a break.
5)Take breaks. Give students short breaks as you move from one activity to another throughout classroom time (Doyle, 2011).
Connections
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/1/8/38182723/7721255.jpg?174)
As a non-traditional undergrad student in elementary education in 2000 I took an excellent Physical Education course at Wright State University. I do not remember the name of my professor, but he stated that research proves we just need 30 minutes of exercise a day to keep all of our systems (skeletal, respiratory, muscular, etc.) healthy. Also, you can split that into three 10 minute chunks or two 15 minute chunks if that is what your schedule allows. That has stuck with me all these years. He reiterated that you won't become an athlete or lose much weight, but it does make a significant difference in maintaining your health.
Ideas for Implementation
![colorful children's shoes with pedometers attached.](/uploads/3/8/1/8/38182723/5808518.jpg?327)
Many health insurance companies have been offering their patrons pedometers to keep track of how many steps they take each day. Some companies offer prizes to their personnel if they maintain 10,000 steps a day, or to the person who walks the most in 30 days. This would be an easy campaign to imitate in schools. I would imagine you could find sponsors to provide pedometers for students in a local school. There could be many ways to encourage students to increase their steps such as offering individual prizes, classroom prizes, or goals to obtain for the school as a whole. Families could be invited to participate, too. Students could also write reports comparing how active Americans are compared to many people around the world.
Assessment
Please take the following assessment as a review of the material we just covered. In the short answer sections, one paragraph will be sufficient. Please click submit when you have completed the assessment.
Resource: Doyle, T., (2011). Learner-centered teaching: Putting the research on learning into practice. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.