Moving to learn Ireland – Classroom teachers' experiences of movement integration. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McMullen, Jaimie M.; Martin, Rosemarie; Jones, Jennifer; Murtagh, Elaine M.
• Is Part Of: Teaching and teacher education. Volume 60(2016)
• Page Start: 321
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Physical activity -- Classroom -- Teacher perspective -- Primary school -- Movement integration -- Whole-of-school physical activity promotion; Teaching -- Periodicals; Teachers -- Training of -- Periodicals; Enseignement -- Périodiques; Enseignants -- Formation -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 371.10205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2016.08.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0742-051X

Abstract

Abstract: Considering recent attention to the school's role in physical activity promotion, this study describes experiences of primary school teachers who implemented a movement integration programme in their classrooms. Teachers' perceptions are important to consider when developing and implementing movement integration resources. The teachers in this study highlighted perceived benefits to their students as an attraction to movement integration, cited barriers of time and space, and requested support related to movement integration implementation. When considering future research and practice we must continue to seek out effective ways to support classroom teachers while considering the multiple levels of influence present in schools. Highlights: Schools are an important venue for physical activity promotion. It is important to consider classroom teachers' perspectives on movement integration. Teachers were supportive of movement integration because of the perceived benefits for children. Student enjoyment was considered central to teacher acceptability. Movement integration programmes must work within the time and space constraints of the classroom.