By moving, your brain becomes more active, which helps you process and store information better. Movement is most likely beneficial for the learning process. The majority of studies show that students perform better on cognitive tasks after physical exercise. Physical exercise increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain and changes neurotransmitters (substances that facilitate the exchange of signals in the brain). These two changes ensure the preservation of nerve cells and better communication between brain regions. Additionally, movement during tasks helps students maintain their attention better (see image). Apart from the effects of movement on learning performance, movement has also proven positive effects on various other aspects, such as health and self-confidence. The positive effects on learning performance are strongest after about 20 minutes of moderate exercise. Stronger effects are found in students who are already fit compared to students who are not fit. This is likely due to fatigue in students who are not fit. So, for example, start the lesson by asking true/false questions where children have to sit and stand, give a lesson outside, or integrate a lesson with physical education.
By moving, your brain becomes more active, which helps you process and store information better. Movement is most likely beneficial for the learning process. The majority of studies show that students perform better on cognitive tasks after physical exercise. Physical exercise increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain and changes neurotransmitters (substances that facilitate the exchange of signals in the brain). These two changes ensure the preservation of nerve cells and better communication between brain regions. Additionally, movement during tasks helps students maintain their attention better (see image). Apart from the effects of movement on learning performance, movement has also proven positive effects on various other aspects, such as health and self-confidence. The positive effects on learning performance are strongest after about 20 minutes of moderate exercise. Stronger effects are found in students who are already fit compared to students who are not fit. This is likely due to fatigue in students who are not fit. So, for example, start the lesson by asking true/false questions where children have to sit and stand, give a lesson outside, or integrate a lesson with physical education.
Best, J. R. (2010). Effects of physical activity on children’s executive function: Contributions of experimental research on aerobic exercise. Developmental Review, 30(4), 331-351.
Chang, Y. K., Labban, J. D., Gapin, J. I., & Etnier, J. L. (2012). The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Brain research, 1453, 87-101. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.02.068
Fenesi, B., Lucibello, K., Kim, J. A., & Heisz, J. J. (2018). Sweat So You Don’t Forget: Exercise Breaks During a University Lecture Increase On-Task Attention and Learning. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 7(2), 261–269.doi:10.1016/j.jarmac.2018.01.012
Hillman, C.H., Pontifex, M.B., Raine, L.B., Castelli, D.M., Hall, E.E., Kramer, A.F. (2009). The effect of acute treadmill walking on cognitive control and academic achievement in preadolescent children. Neuroscience. 159(3):1044-54. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.01.057
Lambourne, K., & Tomporowski, P. (2010). The effect of exercise-induced arousal on cognitive task performance: a meta-regression analysis. Brain research, 1341, 12-24.
