Active Learning: Incorporating Physical Activity for Better Focus

Recently, there has been a notable surge of interest in “active learning,” which involves integrating physical activity into the learning process. This approach has drawn considerable attention from scholars in education and psychology, as it has been discovered to substantially impact learners’ cognitive function and focus. Including physical activity in education can enhance learners’ attention span, memory, and overall academic performance. This article delves deeper into the science behind active learning and further explores its various benefits.

The Science of Movement and Cognitive Function

The relationship between physical activity and improved cognitive function has been extensively studied. A landmark study revealed that regular physical activity leads to increased brain volume in prefrontal and temporal areas, regions associated with cognitive control and memory function.(1) This suggests that physical activity can directly enhance brain function, improving focus and learning outcomes.

Additionally, Ratey and Hagerman (2008) demonstrated that exercise stimulates the production of neurotrophic factors, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which supports neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and overall brain health.(2) In short, these neurochemical changes contribute to improved attention, processing speed, and memory, which are crucial for effective learning.

Active Learning in Educational Settings

In the context of educational settings, a study involving elementary school students, where short bouts of physical activity were integrated into the classroom routine. The results showed a significant increase in on-task behavior and academic readiness post-activity.(3) This finding underscores the potential of active learning strategies in maintaining student engagement and focus.

Physical activity integrated into the academic curriculum positively impacted students’ concentration, attention, and academic performance.(4) So, incorporating physical activity into learning enhances physical health and contributes to academic success.

Translating these findings into practical applications, educators and trainers can implement short, structured physical activity breaks during lessons or training sessions. These activities could range from simple stretching exercises to brief aerobic activities. The key is ensuring these activities are accessible and can be performed in a limited space without specialized equipment.

Additionally, incorporating kinesthetic learning strategies, where learning involves physical movement (e.g., using hand gestures to represent concepts or walking through a timeline laid out on the floor), can also be effective. These strategies facilitate physical activity and cater to different learning styles, making learning more inclusive and engaging.

Limitations and Future Directions

While the benefits of active learning are evident, there are limitations to the existing research. Most studies focus on short-term interventions, and there is a need for long-term studies to understand the sustained impact of active learning strategies. Moreover, research is primarily conducted in controlled environments, and further studies are required to explore the efficacy of these strategies in diverse, real-world educational settings.

Incorporating physical activity into the learning process can unlock children’s full potential and enhance their focus and cognitive abilities. Active learning strategies are crucial to transforming traditional educational and corporate training environments into dynamic, engaging, and highly effective spaces. Committing to these strategies, we can achieve children’s learning goals and nurture new levels of success in all aspects of their lives.

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Footnotes

1. Hillman, C.H., Erickson, K.I., & Kramer, A.F. (2008). Be smart, exercise your heart: Exercise effects on brain and cognition. *Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9*(1), 58-65.

2. Ratey, J.J., & Hagerman, E. (2008). *Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain*. Little, Brown Spark.

3. Mahar, M.T. (2011). Impact of short bouts of physical activity on attention-to-task in elementary school children. *Preventive Medicine, 52*(Suppl 1), S60-S64.

4. Donnelly, J.E., & Lambourne, K. (2011). Classroom-based physical activity, cognition, and academic achievement. *Preventive Medicine, 52*(Suppl 1), S36-S42.