"It Was Kinda Fun": High School Teachers' Thoughts on Classroom Physical Activity

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable 2. Beyond Physical Education: Physical Activity in Other Spaces

Abstract

An increased push for classroom physical activity breaks and movement integration at schools has inspired research into teachers’ perceptions of these expectations. Successful implementation of physical activity breaks and teachers’ perceptions of these changes have been reported for elementary/middle school classroom teachers. Missing, however, is evidence from successful practices at the secondary/high school level. This year-long pilot study provided fourteen high school classroom teachers equipment and training in integrating movement into their academic classrooms. Interviews were conducted at the end of the year to discuss high school teachers’ thoughts about classroom physical activity integration. Common themes included four barriers (fear, safety, and space, time) along with thoughts related to facilitators to creating a culture of physical activity in the classroom.

Authors

• Shannon C. Mulhearn, University of Nebraska - Kearney

• Pamela Hodges Kulinna

• Hyeonho Yu, Arizona State University Polytechnic

• Janelle Marie Griffo, Arizona State University