Associations of learning outcomes for the physical activity of primary school students

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Fizinis aktyvumas; Matematiniai pasiekimai; Akademiniai pasiekimai; Pradinis ugdymas; Physical activity; Mathematical achievements; Academic achievements; Primary education.

ENThe results of our survey within Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study conducted in 2015 show that only a quarter of Lithuanians reach the highest international achievement level in mathematics. The present study aims to identify links between the physical activity of primary schoolchildren, educational factors influencing it and learning outcomes. The experimental group includes 50 girls and boys aged 6–7 years old, and the control group includes 48 girls and boys the same age. The methodology is based on the DIDSFA model (dynamic exercise, intense motor skills repetition, differentiation, reduction of parking and seating, physical activity distribution in the classroom). Physical activity assessment is carried out with the help of the Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire. Academic achievements are gauged according to the distribution of mathematical learning achievements specified by curriculum content. Statistically significant differences are found in the analysis of average MET per boy in the experimental group (1417.59 MET, min/week) in comparison with that of the girls in the same group (1000.38 MET, min/week, p <0.05). The tasks for phenomena, equations and inequalities in the experimental group reveal 0.92±0.42 for the girls and 0.87±0.45 for the boys. There are no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). The findings of our study attach evidence and details to the assumption that there are associations between physical activity and academic achievement of primary schoolchildren. It is a linear association with physical fitness test and mathematic test scores. No variable have any significant association with gender or academic test outcome. [From the publication]