Active Learning: A Review of European Studies of Active Lessons

Richard Bailey, Francis Ries (), Sandra Heck and Claude Scheuer
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Richard Bailey: Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
Francis Ries: Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Seville, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
Sandra Heck: Department of Education and Social Work, University of Luxembourg, 4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Claude Scheuer: European Physical Education Association (EUPEA), University of Luxembourg, Maison des Sciences Humaines, 11 Porte des Sciences, 4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Physical activity is a familiar feature in schools worldwide. Its most common justification for inclusion is its distinctive contribution to students’ physical health and fitness and claimed benefits to non-physical aspects of education, such as social skills. Possible effects on cognitive and academic performance are less frequently assumed. This article examines the academic effects of ‘Active Learning’ practices in school classrooms. Our objective was to test the claim that physical activity can enhance curricular achievement and learning, specifically curriculum-focused physical activity and Learning Through Movement. Methods: Using a rapid review methodology, in this article we report on the evidence of contributions of active learning from peer-reviewed publications from 2010 to 2022. Results: The literature generally supported the central hypothesis that students in Active Learning conditions out-performed those in non-active conditions, both during Active Learning tasks and later. Whether this was due to the introduction of physical activity in the specific setting of classroom lessons or physical activity per se remains unclear. Conclusions: To ensure positive outcomes from Active Learning, practices should be planned in association with a series of favourable change mechanisms: proactive leadership, teacher engagement, the ease of finding and implementing Active Learning in sessions, and the genuine integration of Active Learning into curricula and lessons.

Keywords: active classroom; active school; health; education; rapid review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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