Movement-based Mathematics: Enjoyment and Engagement without Compromising Learning through the EASY Minds Program

Abstract

There has been a worldwide decline in interest and achievement in mathematics in young people. Despite the extensive benefits of physical activity, the majority of children are not sufficiently active. Schools have the potential to arrest both concerns through innovative teaching that challenges and complements traditional approaches. The aim of this paper is to report student and teacher perceptions of the Encouraging Activity to Stimulate Young Minds program, a school-based physical activity integration intervention designed to enhance learning and engagement in mathematics and increase physical activity levels in children using movement-based learning experiences. Four classroom teachers were interviewed and 66 students participated in focus groups following the 6-week intervention. The program provided positive experiences for teachers and students, both in terms of enjoyment and engagement, while ensuring high quality learning experiences. Embedding movement-based learning across mathematics, had a significant positive effect on children's enjoyment and engagement without compromising the quality of learning.

When mathematics meets physical activity in the school-aged child: The effect of an integrated motor and cognitive approach to learning geometry

“…These results indicate that the teaching of mathematics/geometry through our PA program provides a better and more efficient method of teaching than traditional methods. The data obtained in this study confirm the findings of other studies that the integrated method of teaching has a greater effect than traditional teaching methods [ 53 , 58 , 59 ].…”

Preliminary Efficacy and Feasibility of “Thinking While Moving in English”: A Program with Physical Activity Integrated into Primary School English Lessons

“…Overall, the current study replicates the results of previous literature on academic performance that integrates physical activity across different learning domains [ 14 , 15 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 41 ]. This innovative instructional approach lays the foundation for the purposeful engagement of the motor system in learning.…”

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that physically active academic lessons can increase students’ on-task behavior, academic performance, and physical activity levels [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. In addition, they are perceived by students as more enjoyable than traditional sedentary lessons [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. For example, Mullender-Wijnsma et al (2016) [ 24 ] implemented physical activity in mathematics and spelling over a 2-year study period using a 22-week (3 × per week) intervention in second and third grade students.…”

The Effects of Activity Based Learning on Sixth Grade Students’ Achievement and Attitudes towards Mathematics Activities

“…Therefore improving student enjoyment of mathematics is a key strategy to address subject disengagement. Innovative teaching methods that provide positive mathematical learning experiences could help to enhance students' achievement in mathematics (Riley et al, 2017). In Turkey, radical curriculum changes were made in the field of mathematics by 2005.…”