Development of an "Active Lesson Program" that enables simultaneous improvement of physical activity and academic performance

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K13966
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 09030:Childhood and nursery/pre-school education-related
• Research Institution: Kobe University (2021-2022); Okinawa Women's Junior College (2020)
• Principal Investigator: Kyan Akira 神戸大学, 人間発達環境学研究科, 助教 (40845343)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 身体活動 / 体力向上 / 学力向上 / 精神的健康 / well-being / 学校介入

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Prior to the intervention, we examined the alignment of ALPs in other countries with the content of Japanese math studies in order to examine the feasibility of adopting active lesson programs (ALP) in the Japanese educational environment. While some programs were suggested to be adaptable to Japanese learning, we also found a need for the development of Japan-specific programs.
Although the effects of the intervention were observed in several physical fitness measures and psychological variables, such as repetitive horizontal jump and 20-meter shuttle run, the effects on academic performance were not discernible. This can at least be interpreted as not interfering with learning.

Free Research Field

学校保健学、公衆衛生、運動疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

身体活動を促進する学校介入プログラムが、児童のメンタルヘルスの改善をもたらす可能性を示したことと、少なくとも学習の妨げにならないことを示したことは、学校教育上重要な示唆を得たと見ることができる。
身体活動量への効果が判然としなかったことは、プログラム内容の見直しや実践頻度を高めるための介入が必要である可能性を示唆しており、更なる検討の必要性が示された。