The Impact of Integrated Movement-Based Activities on Primary School Aged Students in the Classroom

Abstract

<p>Movement-based activities can have benefits for children from early childhood and into formal education. However, most current research concerns movement-based activities which are a part of physical education classes. Integrated movement-based activities are activities that involve physical movement that is used to teach subjects other than physical education in the primary curriculum. For example, asking students to demonstrate their understanding of the water cycle by using movement to act out the process. The purpose of this study is to outline the impact that integrated movement-based activities such as this can have on primary school-aged students.</p> <p>To answer this research question the study was separated into three phases which were conducted in both lower and upper primary classrooms. The data were collected using student guided self-reflection journals, numeracy tests, self-rating scales of concentration, teacher interviews, and researcher observations and reflections. The data were then analyzed using open-coding methods. It was found that when a supportive classroom environment and structure is established, integrated movement-based activities can impact positively on students' concentration, enjoyment of learning, engagement in learning, and interpersonal relationships.</p>