Movement Matters
The timeline presented in Chapter 1 provided evidence that we were an active society throughout much of history. We went from a culture that had to move for survival to a civilization that is inactive and sedentary. It is crucial to the future health and success of our nation that we begin to make a shift by reverting back to some of our past practices regarding movement. Increasing physical activity and fitness levels in today’s youth is a serious challenge that we must face with a united approach. Movement matters in a classroom setting to improve academic achievement, and kinesthetic teaching methodologies can help make this happen! Comfort levels regarding movement are so unique to an individual’s personality that some students are hesitant to engage in various forms of physical activity. However, the more we move learners, the better our chances are for increasing these comfort levels. Exposing students to positive movement experiences can help elevate their confidence while minimizing resistance. The more we move, the better we feel and perform. So, let’s move more!
Movement also matters in a classroom environment because as human beings, we have many needs aside from food, water, and shelter. Kinesthetic teaching methodologies can help meet these needs. Tony Robbins, a well-known American author, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and life coach, references “6 Core Human Needs” (Jane, 2013). Utilizing active learning strategies can help meet these core human needs:
1 Certainty/Comfort: Feeling in control and having basic comfort is very important to us as human beings. When using kinesthetic strategies, the learner has control of his or her body, and successful movement can provide a feeling of confidence and comfort.
2 Uncertainty/Variety: Teachers have an abundance of choices when considering movement activities for a classroom setting. This allows for an extensive range of preferences, mixtures, and selections.
3 Significance: We all want to feel important and/or special. Using active learning activities creatively in a classroom environment can do that when educators follow the recommendations found herein.
4 Love and connection: Kinesthetic environments help build a community connection within a school setting. These bonds are meaningful and can aid in establishing a rewarding learning setting that is kind, respectful, and interconnected.
5 Growth: Growing as individuals and contributing to others will naturally occur in a community learning environment. It is simply the nature of a connected atmosphere.
6 Contribution: Giving/contributing to others or perhaps sharing with others is important for individual growth and will be essential in organizing efficient kinesthetic learning environments.
The Brain–Body Connection
The brain is responsible for both cognitive functions and physical actions. Brain health is vital for all beings and is critical in the learning process. The mind and body are interconnected and can affect one another in a variety of ways, both positively and negatively. For example, if we feel nervous, we may get nauseous or our palms may start to sweat. Or if we exercise regularly, we may sleep better and think more clearly. The mind and body are always working together to either hinder our performance or to bring out our best. Consistently, physical activity is related to a healthier body as well as a healthier mind (Hillman, Erickson, & Kramer, 2008). Therefore, it stands to reason that the benefits of implementing kinesthetic teaching methodologies would have a positive effect on boosting brain function and memory.
Balancing movement and technology in the classroom will reinforce the brain–body connection. This combined effort can energize the body while providing the brain with the novelty it desires. Throughout this book, you will receive numerous ideas on how to make this happen with ease and practicality. Physical activity serves the body and the brain simultaneously; however, technology will do the same if it is delivered properly. Teachers will be encouraged to see beyond the initial design of a product or practice. We will examine methods to engage the brain and body for a united effort that enhances students’ learning potential. Together, these powerful teaching tools will be joined to maximize learners’ success.
The Supportive Research
Increasing Physical Activity Improves Academic Performance
Physical activity involves low-intensity, submaximal movements that expend energy. Using kinesthetic teaching strategies in a classroom environment will significantly increase students’ physical activity levels while supporting an increase in academic success. In education, there is a constant focus on improving academic performance and test scores, and technology is at the forefront of this process. Administrators, curriculum developers, and teachers examine past practices to discover what will work best in the 21st-century classroom to optimize learning. This search is an effort to reveal techniques that heighten success and productivity. Teachers and researchers alike are using a variety of physical activities while delivering instruction to increase academic scores. Creating and implementing lessons that use active learning can increase both physical activity and academic success. Here are some motivating examples of research that supports implementing active teaching methodologies to improve academic achievement.
Fitness Levels Affect Academic Achievement
If we are more active with our bodies, it stands to reason that we will perform with greater success in many areas, including cognitive function and execution. As a result, we will become the best version of ourselves as learners. For decades, the term “dumb jock” suggested just the opposite. Physical attainment and cognitive excellence were seen as conflicting abilities. Students with higher intelligence were expected to master their intellectual gains. Athletes were seen as skilled competitors; making the grade was only necessary to allow them to continue or extend their athletic careers. Thanks to current research, we now understand that on average, students who maintain standard physical fitness levels tend to receive higher grade point averages and elevated scores on their standardized tests when compared to students who are not physically fit. These findings do not suggest that students with low fitness levels aren’t highly intelligent or can’t produce premium grades with superior standardized test scores. However, the correlation between fitness levels and academic achievement is consistent and deserves notable attention. The findings described in the following table show a clear, positive link among fitness, academic performance, and standardized test scores.
Enhanced Brain Function and Memory
When movement is used in an academic environment, it can enhance a student’s episodic learning and memory. During a learning episode, the brain takes a mental picture of the surroundings and circumstances it is in. This can play a significant role in memory recall. Technology does not always provide a clear, detailed picture in the brain because human connections are typically not involved in the process. A vibrant mental image can be beneficial in helping to move information from short-term memory to long-term memory. One concern for educators today is the constant need for reteaching content that students should have already mastered. If students are not interested in the information being taught, or the content is not delivered in a meaningful manner, it is difficult for learning to take place. Technology is strong in this aspect when it delivers information with bright colors, animation, and flashes of novel characters. Utilizing active learning strategies can have a similar benefit. It can help to enhance brain function and memory in order to hold students’