Biopedagogies and Health: Localized Cultural Knowledge and School-Based Health Promotion

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Division G Section 1: Local Contexts of Teaching and Learning

Abstract

A group of volunteers in Newfoundland (the Body Image Network) developed a curriculum resource, that aims to promote healthy body image amongst elementary students. The resource addresses body shape and size diversity matching cross-curriculum outcomes. The creation of a healthy school environment and dissemination of health-focused, body-based knowledge has become what Harwood (2009) calls a biopedgogical movement. Using a feminist post-structural approach this paper critically analyzes the use of body knowledge in the school environment. The research deployed a mixed methods approach, focus groups with 123 grade 2 and 4 students, interviews with 12 elementary teachers, a standardized body image survey given to teachers in four participating schools. Results suggest the value of localized cultural knowledge.

Authors

• LeAnne Dorothy Petherick, University of Manitoba

• Natalie Beausoleil, Memorial University

• Cora McCloy, Memorial University