About the Project
This is a PhD within the Coventry University (UK),- Stellenbosch University (South Africa) Cotutelle programme. Primarily based at Coventry University this PhD will have a focus on Children's motor development, physical activity, health and educational outcomes.
Introduction
Globally, there is an increased prevalence of physical inactivity among children. Physical inactivity is a catalyst for a variety of health, developmental and cognitive problems among children. As children transition from pre-primary to primary school, they face many challenges and are often not adequately prepared for formal schooling.
School-based physical activity is often associated with physical education, however, research has shown that purposeful movement inside the classroom have many physical and academic benefits. Movement can be combined with learning activities based on the curriculum. By combining the two elements it allows for time to invest in both academic activities and physical activity.
Project details
The PhD's main purpose will be to implement a sustainable, integrative, and easily accessible programme for all preschool learners, focusing on learning through movement. Every so often, children, especially from less-privileged communities, are not adequately prepared for school, resulting in a delay in their education and overall development. There is a need to restructure the curriculum content to assist learners in learning more effectively. Teachers have also indicated that they lack the proper training and resources to efficiently implement the curriculum. The study, therefore, aims to develop a movement-based programme with a specific focus on learning through movement that can be integrated as part of the normal school curriculum to enhance children's overall physical development as well as executive functioning. The following variables are of particular interest; physical activity patterns, gross motor skills, body composition, executive functioning, visual-motor integration.