Physical Activity Focus Groups in Secondary Schools
Complete Project
Title:
Physical Activity Focus Groups in Secondary Schools
Status:
Completed
Topic:
Physical Activity;School-based
Funding Source:
N/A
Funding Period:
2014-2015
Study Design:
Qualitative analysis using focus groups
Purpose:
The PRC provided guidance and technical assistance to school districts in California and Colorado that conducted focus groups in middle and/or high schools. The goal was to seek students’ and teachers’ ideas to incorporate physical activity into secondary schools.
Further Study Details:
School personnel conducted 4 focus groups in the Bonsall Unified School District in CA, and 6 focus groups in the St. Vrain Valley School District in CO (4 with students and 2 with teachers). Focus group moderators showed examples of videos designed to lead student and/or adult viewers in brief physical activity breaks. They elicited participants’ opinions concerning these videos, and their ideas for other ways to involve students in physical activity.
Findings:
TEACHERS: Teachers said activity breaks would benefit students’ health and ability to focus. Concerns included: student and teacher buy-in; limited space; safety; classroom management; wardrobe issues; mixed reactions among students; the potential for some students to feel awkward with dancing; students with disabilities; and time taken away from learning or standardized tests. In general, they thought they could fit 10 to 20 minutes of daily physical activity into their classrooms. Ideas included student-created videos, exercise stations, contests, music, yoga, and mobile device apps.STUDENTS: Most said activity breaks could provide a relief from sitting and a way to refocus. Some felt certain students could get distracted, or misuse the time to chat, goof off, or get rowdy. Challenges cited included: limited space; immobile desks; varied fitness levels; garment issues; risk of embarrassment; and noise disruptions. Classroom break suggestions included stretching, walking, light jogging, Zumba, Wi-Fit, Just Dance, cultural dancing, and exercise stations. Many said it would be fun to lead the class in an activity. They liked the idea of a friendly competition within a group or school. Suggestions for activity beyond the classroom included after-school clubs/sports, lunchtime games, and access to courts and fields before the start of the school day. Students wanted to be able to choose activities related to their interests. They shared ideas to integrate activity into lessons in social studies, science, and math.
Eligibility:
Students in participating schools/grades in the Bonsall Unified School District in California, and in the St. Vrain Valley School District in Colorado.
Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center