Chapter 11: Is a Revolution Coming?
Movement, Exercise, and Learning
"SMART" Learning Objectives:
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
1) Defend the use of movement and exercise to encourage student learning.
2) Develop strategies for incorporating exercise in your teaching.
1) Defend the use of movement and exercise to encourage student learning.
2) Develop strategies for incorporating exercise in your teaching.
Chapter Summary:
Why does exercise help us learn?
Research shows that aerobic exercise has many positive effects on memory formation and retrieval. Specifically, exercise increases production of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which enhances neuron formation and protects neuronal networks (Doyle, 2011). Exercise also increases the number of neurons and synapses in the brain, increases serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which aid in enhancing mood and attention, and can induce the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus (Doyle, 2011). Although the exact amount of exercise necessary to stimulate learning is not known, studies have shown that 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity at least 4 times a week can be beneficial in learning (Doyle, 2011).
Research shows that aerobic exercise has many positive effects on memory formation and retrieval. Specifically, exercise increases production of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which enhances neuron formation and protects neuronal networks (Doyle, 2011). Exercise also increases the number of neurons and synapses in the brain, increases serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which aid in enhancing mood and attention, and can induce the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus (Doyle, 2011). Although the exact amount of exercise necessary to stimulate learning is not known, studies have shown that 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity at least 4 times a week can be beneficial in learning (Doyle, 2011).
What are some strategies we can use to incorporate exercise and movement in the classroom?
Several teaching methods can help us encourage students to move during class as a way to enhance their learning. Some examples include discussing topics while walking, having student teams post answers to questions around the classroom followed by a walking evaluation of other teams answers, and encouraging learners to take breaks, change position, and stretch during lectures. Use of balance balls instead of chairs can also help incorporate movement in the classroom (Doyle, 2011).
Several teaching methods can help us encourage students to move during class as a way to enhance their learning. Some examples include discussing topics while walking, having student teams post answers to questions around the classroom followed by a walking evaluation of other teams answers, and encouraging learners to take breaks, change position, and stretch during lectures. Use of balance balls instead of chairs can also help incorporate movement in the classroom (Doyle, 2011).
What are the key take-home points from this chapter?
Aerobic exercise has many beneficial effects on learning. As educators, we should encourage our students to exercise and move in the classroom in order to enhance their learning.
Aerobic exercise has many beneficial effects on learning. As educators, we should encourage our students to exercise and move in the classroom in order to enhance their learning.
References:
Doyle, T. (2011). Learner centered teaching: Putting the research on learning into practice. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
Connections to Medical Education:
Although I was unaware of the science underlying the beneficial effects of exercise in learning, I have found this to be true in my daily life. Physicians encourage patients to exercise primarily due to the positive cardiovascular effects, but exercise also reduces stress levels and improves mood in patients with depression. I have found that I can concentrate better and get more work done after walking or swimming for an hour. Most of the physicians I have encountered who are efficient and great at managing work related stress, tend to exercise regularly.
Although I was unaware of the science underlying the beneficial effects of exercise in learning, I have found this to be true in my daily life. Physicians encourage patients to exercise primarily due to the positive cardiovascular effects, but exercise also reduces stress levels and improves mood in patients with depression. I have found that I can concentrate better and get more work done after walking or swimming for an hour. Most of the physicians I have encountered who are efficient and great at managing work related stress, tend to exercise regularly.
Suggestions for Implementation:
The research findings in this chapter stimulated me to change my teaching practices. I teach dermatopathology to a group of 6 residents for an hour at the end of the day. I have found that they tend to be tired and lose focus during our discussions. This past week, I asked each resident to walk up to the projection screen and point out the relevant findings that helped them reach a diagnosis. I found that by making this minor alteration, our residents enjoyed the learning process, stayed more focused during the discussion, and participated more during the session.