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The research is clear and it’s time for educators to rethink the body-brain connection! Sure, exercise and fitness build strong bodies, but they are also crucial to building strong brains and developing better learners. Examining: Ignite the Brain: Boosting Learning through Exercise & Fitness is a 3 credit hour course in which participants will explore exercise’s power to improve student learning and grades; help fight addiction; boost mood, and reduce symptoms associated with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and stress. Whether you’re a P.E. or classroom teacher, this course is for you.
Organization
The course is organized into 8 modules and presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules. Lessons will be taught and goals will be met using a combination of text readings, external resources, activities, assignments, and enrichment materials. The instructor will offer feedback and coaching on discussions and assignments.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will:
1. Understand the major mechanism connecting exercise to positive and increased brain functioning
2. Understand how exercise impacts student learning and achievement
3. Understand the effects of exercise on mood and symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress and addiction
4. Know exercise and fitness models and regimens that benefit brain activity and support student achievement
Course Topics
1. How exercise is impacting learning
2. Exercise, brain growth & stress
3. Exercise & anxiety
4. Exercise & depression
5. Exercise & ADHD
6. Exercise & addiction
7. Hormones & aging
8. Developing a regimen
Required Text: Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain (2008) by John J. Ratey. Paperback reprint 2013. This book is available for purchase through bookstores and online.
Organization
The course is organized into 8 modules and presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules. Lessons will be taught and goals will be met using a combination of text readings, external resources, activities, assignments, and enrichment materials. The instructor will offer feedback and coaching on discussions and assignments.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will:
1. Understand the major mechanism connecting exercise to positive and increased brain functioning
2. Understand how exercise impacts student learning and achievement
3. Understand the effects of exercise on mood and symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress and addiction
4. Know exercise and fitness models and regimens that benefit brain activity and support student achievement
Course Topics
1. How exercise is impacting learning
2. Exercise, brain growth & stress
3. Exercise & anxiety
4. Exercise & depression
5. Exercise & ADHD
6. Exercise & addiction
7. Hormones & aging
8. Developing a regimen
Required Text: Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain (2008) by John J. Ratey. Paperback reprint 2013. This book is available for purchase through bookstores and online.