The researchers of this study examined the correlation of physical education and academic scores in reading and math of elementary aged students. They used data form a early childhood longitudinal study of students beginning Kindergarten through the fifth grade year; 5,316 students were used for the study; 52% girls, 48% boys. Data collected on these students included; demographics, time spent in physical education academic scores in reading and math. The study concluded that girls who spent more time in physical education (70-300 mins. per week) showed and increase in their reading and math scores; however, the boys did not show an increase or decrease in their scores. Researchers feel that this is due to the fact that boys are already more fit than girls. They added, 1) physical education does not negatively affect students scores and 2) these results show evidence that physical education has a positive effect on a students lives physically, socially and cognitively. Researchers suggest future studies aim to focus on the direct correlation between physical fitness and academic achievement specifically related to gender differences.
The researchers of this study examined the correlation of physical education and academic scores in reading and math of elementary aged students. They used data form a early childhood longitudinal study of students beginning Kindergarten through the fifth grade year; 5,316 students were used for the study; 52% girls, 48% boys. Data collected on these students included; demographics, time spent in physical education academic scores in reading and math.
ReplyDeleteThe study concluded that girls who spent more time in physical education (70-300 mins. per week) showed and increase in their reading and math scores; however, the boys did not show an increase or decrease in their scores. Researchers feel that this is due to the fact that boys are already more fit than girls. They added, 1) physical education does not negatively affect students scores and 2) these results show evidence that physical education has a positive effect on a students lives physically, socially and cognitively. Researchers suggest future studies aim to focus on the direct correlation between physical fitness and academic achievement specifically related to gender differences.