This is a great idea that I would like to see in classrooms with all types of students. Is it possible that all students could improve their learning because of an increased time standing, moving, as opposed to sitting? Struggling kids that tend to need more stimulus from fidgeting and movement could there learning improve and assessments improve too? With as much research out there supporting the wonderful connection between movement and learning. I am surprised that more teachers are not trying to find ways to integrate all subject areas with movement. This "Stand up to Learn" idea may be a great transition for classroom teachers and even greater for the students. How many more calories will be burned during the day, the increase of muscle contractions, does the heart rate increase? Number of scores that improve, etc. I support this innovative idea. Best luck to you Greg Bert.
The best way to see something like this realized is to first make it a reality in your/our own teaching environments.
Teachers are in the trenches with these revolutionary ideas, and we are truly the experts here. When researchers want to know what really works, they visit teachers and involve us in their research efforts.
We are the laboratory setting every school day of the year, and to the extent that we reflect on our successes and otherwise, we add to the general and specific body of teaching knowledge and practice.
A new study from TX shows that students with the highest scores on the physical fitness tests also had the highest scores on reading, writing, and math tests. Exercise makes a difference in learning!
Greg,
I love this idea! I work at a middle school and this is an excellent way to keep kids focused. Some recent studies on brain development indicate there is a higher level of student comprehension when kids are able to move while they learn. This is particularly true for middle schoolers who undergo huge brain changes as they enter adolescence. You should definitely utilize this research for your project!
Check out http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleSchoolJournal/September2002/Artic...
On reading about your intriguing idea, I was wondering about specific behavior change that your initiative is focused on. What choice is it really focused on? Is it opt-in or compulsory?
Hi Joseph: What I am trying to do is get kids moving in the classrooms, becasue fron what I have read, this prepares the brain for improved learning. Exercise has been shown to (Spark, by John Ratey) to cause neurogenesis- brain cell growth in the hippocampus; the center for memory and concentration. So I am trying to get funding to put the stand up desks with footswings into a classroom to study: improved learning?, fewer discipline problems?, increased physical activity?, fewer classroom distracitions?, better math and reading scores?. Kids would probably choose if they want to use the desk; parent permission, etc...
I am a physical education teacher and it is very frustrating to get school administrators to take moving as a way to learn more seriously. I believe desks such as the one described in the video on my proposal could change education as we know it today for the better!!!!!!!!!Thanks for the comment! Greg
On May 11, 2009, the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Designing for Better Health” competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators who are seeking solutions that help people make better choices regarding their health and the health of others. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team
“This is a perfect fit for what this contest is trying to do. Winning a grant will provide seed money for the narrowly defined pilot study. You should also look at some similar initiatives such as the “treadmill desk” (http://www.treadmill-desk.com/)”
“The desk concept is amazing. My only concern is the financial sustainability, given the current difficult economic climate for schools. Can you provide a little insight as to how schools may adopt this initiative without additional financial resources?. Great work to include a plan for outcomes evaluation. Could this also be incorporated on airlines when people have no choice but to sit?”
- Changemakers “Designing for Better Health” Judges: Doutores da Alegria, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Cornell Food and Brand Lab: Cornell University, Innovations in Health @ Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Pediatrics: University of California San Francisco.
Comments
What is your experience with stand up desks with footswings and stools?
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Greg Bert, NBCT EAYA/Physical Education
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Greg Bert, NBCT EAYA/Physical Education
This is a great idea that I would like to see in classrooms with all types of students. Is it possible that all students could improve their learning because of an increased time standing, moving, as opposed to sitting? Struggling kids that tend to need more stimulus from fidgeting and movement could there learning improve and assessments improve too? With as much research out there supporting the wonderful connection between movement and learning. I am surprised that more teachers are not trying to find ways to integrate all subject areas with movement. This "Stand up to Learn" idea may be a great transition for classroom teachers and even greater for the students. How many more calories will be burned during the day, the increase of muscle contractions, does the heart rate increase? Number of scores that improve, etc. I support this innovative idea. Best luck to you Greg Bert.
The best way to see something like this realized is to first make it a reality in your/our own teaching environments.
Teachers are in the trenches with these revolutionary ideas, and we are truly the experts here. When researchers want to know what really works, they visit teachers and involve us in their research efforts.
We are the laboratory setting every school day of the year, and to the extent that we reflect on our successes and otherwise, we add to the general and specific body of teaching knowledge and practice.
A new study from TX shows that students with the highest scores on the physical fitness tests also had the highest scores on reading, writing, and math tests. Exercise makes a difference in learning!
What study was this? I am interested in knowing more on this Texas study.
All of this makes very common sense to me.
Greg,
I love this idea! I work at a middle school and this is an excellent way to keep kids focused. Some recent studies on brain development indicate there is a higher level of student comprehension when kids are able to move while they learn. This is particularly true for middle schoolers who undergo huge brain changes as they enter adolescence. You should definitely utilize this research for your project!
Check out http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleSchoolJournal/September2002/Artic...
Dear Greg,
On reading about your intriguing idea, I was wondering about specific behavior change that your initiative is focused on. What choice is it really focused on? Is it opt-in or compulsory?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks again for submitting,
Joseph
Hi Joseph: What I am trying to do is get kids moving in the classrooms, becasue fron what I have read, this prepares the brain for improved learning. Exercise has been shown to (Spark, by John Ratey) to cause neurogenesis- brain cell growth in the hippocampus; the center for memory and concentration. So I am trying to get funding to put the stand up desks with footswings into a classroom to study: improved learning?, fewer discipline problems?, increased physical activity?, fewer classroom distracitions?, better math and reading scores?. Kids would probably choose if they want to use the desk; parent permission, etc...
I am a physical education teacher and it is very frustrating to get school administrators to take moving as a way to learn more seriously. I believe desks such as the one described in the video on my proposal could change education as we know it today for the better!!!!!!!!!Thanks for the comment! Greg
----------
Greg Bert, NBCT EAYA/Physical Education
On May 11, 2009, the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Designing for Better Health” competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators who are seeking solutions that help people make better choices regarding their health and the health of others. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team
“This is a perfect fit for what this contest is trying to do. Winning a grant will provide seed money for the narrowly defined pilot study. You should also look at some similar initiatives such as the “treadmill desk” (http://www.treadmill-desk.com/)”
“The desk concept is amazing. My only concern is the financial sustainability, given the current difficult economic climate for schools. Can you provide a little insight as to how schools may adopt this initiative without additional financial resources?. Great work to include a plan for outcomes evaluation. Could this also be incorporated on airlines when people have no choice but to sit?”
- Changemakers “Designing for Better Health” Judges: Doutores da Alegria, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Cornell Food and Brand Lab: Cornell University, Innovations in Health @ Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Pediatrics: University of California San Francisco.