Erin Hoops

Basketball's

Effect On Learning

This page should properly be titled

Physical Activity's Effect On Learning

Every "Dumb Jock" joke is refuted by this page...

Item

High grades...are consistently associated with high physical performance

Item

Studies have shown that increasing the time allotted to physical education in schools did not lead to decreases in academic performance

Item

In Canada, enhanced mathematical performance was found among children participating in a daily physical education program, as compared to a control group receiving only standard physical education

Item

Studies demonstrate the positive effects daily physical activity has on student performance and academic achievement in terms of:

memory,

observation,

problems-solving,

decision making,

as well as significant improvements in

attitude,

discipline,
behaviours, and

creativity

Item

Apart from the obvious physical and psychological benefits associated with vigorous physical activity, some evidence exists to suggest that students who participate in high school athletics do just as well academically, if not better, than non-sport participants and are less likely to drop out of school.

Item

A recent survey conducted with1,230 high school student in Manitoba found the following:

A)   76% agree that participation in school athletics increases the likelihood of staying in school

B)   77% agree that participation in school athletics makes school a more enjoyable experience

C)   Students participation in both school and non-school athletics are most likely to have positive attitudes and be engaged in school life

D)   Students participating in school based sports are just as good, if not better, school citizens than their non-sport peers

E)   A greater proportion of school based sport participants report an above average academic record

Item

Believe It Or Not

Running makes you smarter.

Researchers found a 12 week running program

significantly improved the reaction time and

memory skills of their subjects.

Item

Students who participated in a daily running program achieved higher levels in reading, language and mathematics and had better cardiovascular fitness and respiratory efficiency than a control group of students participating in only regular physical education.

Item

Generally, it has been confirmed that "children lacking in early motor experiences encounter difficulty in learning as measured by achievement and intelligence tests."

Item

Children who participate in organized activities outside of school such as sports, music, the arts or clubs tend to have:

higher self-esteem, 

interact better with friends, and 

perform somewhat better in school

Item

In the mainstream population, the focus of research has been on ascertaining the nature of the relationship between physical activity and measures of scholastic achievement.  Generally, it has been confirmed that "children lacking in early motor experiences encounter difficulty in learning as measured by achievement and intelligence tests."

For cited research to support these statements and to read more such statements click the link below:

http://www.activehealthykids.ca/activityfacts.html 

Material is presented here thanks to THE FOUNDATION FOR ACTIVE HEALTHY KIDS.

Running Animated Jester Graphic on this page is from:

http://members.tripod.com/~Fl_Nita/Images15/jesterrun.gif 

For more information on Why Basketball in this web site click the blue titles below:

Why Basketball

A New View Of Physical Activity

Value Of Sports In School