The Adopt-a-School Service-learning Program: Igniting Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs through School and University Partnerships

Service-learning has become a popular pedagogical tool to promote academic and civic learning. One form of service-learning provides physical activity for underrepresented community groups, including children with disabilities. Using experiential learning theory, the purpose of this descriptive case study was to evaluate college students’ experiences in a physical activity-based service learning program for children with disabilities. Through convenience sampling, 97 program participants (82 female, 15 male), most of whom were White (N = 85), were recruited for participation. Data included a pre- and postsurvey of civic learning, participant interviews, reflective journaling, and program observations. Qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparison and inductive analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using Mixed ANOVAs. Results revealed that the program resulted in enhanced civic and academic learning. Themes included making a difference, academic and career connections, emotional and personal growth, and program reflection. Implications of the study and future directions for research are discussed.

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The Application of an Implementation Science Framework to Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs: Be a Champion!

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2017.00354 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Justin B. Moore ◽

Russell L. Carson ◽

Collin A. Webster ◽

Camelia R. Singletary ◽

Darla M. Castelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Implementation Science ◽

Comprehensive School ◽

Physical Activity Programs ◽

Science Framework

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Impact of trained champions of comprehensive school physical activity programs on school physical activity offerings, youth physical activity and sedentary behaviors

Preventive Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.08.025 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 69 ◽

pp. S12-S19 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Russell L. Carson ◽

Darla M. Castelli ◽

Ann C. Pulling Kuhn ◽

Justin B. Moore ◽

Michael W. Beets ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Comprehensive School ◽

Sedentary Behaviors ◽

Youth Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Programs

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A Mastery Motivational Climate-Based Service-Learning Program: Physical and Psychosocial Benefits Among Underserved Children

The Physical Educator ◽

10.18666/tpe-2021-v78-i1-10197 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 78 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lindsay Kipp ◽

Karen Meaney ◽

L. Kent Griffin

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Service Learning ◽

Social Responsibility ◽

Personal Responsibility ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Perceived Competence ◽

Motivational Climate ◽

Activity Level ◽

Learning Program ◽

Mastery Motivational Climate

We explored children’s physical activity level and psychosocial outcomes in a service-learning program. The program, taught by preservice physical educators, engages children in fun activities within a mastery motivational climate (MMC). Forty-two children in grades K–4 wore accelerometers during two 90-min sessions, resulting in 84 data points. Forty-three children age 8 and up completed a postprogram survey assessing motivational climate, perceived competence, and personal and social responsibility. Of those, 27 completed a presurvey as well. On average, children were engaged in light activity for 38.6% and moderate-to-vigorous activity for 26.0% of the program time. Social responsibility improved from pre- to postassessment. Children perceived a high MMC, and regression analyses showed that MMC was positively related to perceived competence, personal responsibility, and social responsibility at the end of the program. Results suggest this program was effective in using an MMC to promote social responsibility while engaging students in light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity.

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