Innovation in Teaching, Learning and Evaluation

Innovation in Teaching, Learning and Evaluation

Exploring Teachers' Views on the Use of Physical Activities in Teaching and Learning Processes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Teacher, Bureau of Education, Shahryar County, Tehran Province, Iran
Abstract
Although the value of physical activity for physical and mental health is well accepted, its benefits in the process of education and learning are less noticed. There is very little research on the inclusion of physical activity in the teaching process, as well as the experience and views of teachers about its constructive effects on learning and even student behavior. In the present study, 122 teachers from different educational levels completed an online questionnaire in this field. The content of the answers was analyzed through thematic content analysis. The majority of participants reported that they used physical activity in their training exercises. The reported activities included movement breaks, such as stretching and balancing games, or things that were considered useful for stimulating the brain. Some teachers also stated that they combined physical activity with educational content. Some also used regularly scheduled activities. One of the benefits of using physical activity in education is increasing students'' vitality and energy, as well as improving their participation in learning activities. Overall, the results indicate that, according to teachers, physical activity is worth including in the work of teaching and learning. Of course, some teachers'' judgments should also be challenged.
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