This week is particularly full of unanswered questions.... I am now thinking of an episode of one of my favorite cartoons -- Futurama -- which featured an all-knowing giant alien brain which could answer any question in the universe. I think many teachers across the district, one week before we return to in-person/hybrid model/phase 2 (whatever you want to call it), would like to ask that brain a few questions at this point.
At the time of writing this post, I have not yet had the chance to partake in a deeper dive into literature covering my topic this week, although I am hopeful to discover what contributions have already been made regarding the relationship between fitness trackers and student motivation and performance in PE. I have already administered a “Personal Health Profile” survey to collect data on students’ exercise habits and feelings about exercise. My students have also created their first “Personal Weekly Activity Plan,” which could lead to discoveries regarding how personal goal might improve a student’s motivation or performance. I plan to continue to collect student data in the form of running performance data. Students will participate in a series of long distance runs (Student in Group A using fitness data trackers such as Nike Run Club, Group B using no tools), and track their times and distances on a running log. The running log will also have students set goals for each run. Runs will be completed in-person as well as asynchronously. After participating in a series of runs, while setting goals and tracking their progress (some using fitness tracking tools), students will be resurveyed about their habits and feelings about exercise. Unanswered questions… Will my methodology be able to prove that the fitness trackers in combination with goal setting were impacting motivation or performance in any way? Should I have a Group A (students who use fitness trackers) and a Group B (students who do not use fitness trackers), and compare data within the two groups? Does it make more sense to have all students not using fitness trackers for their first set of runs, then have all students (or some) use them for another round of data collection? I fear not all students have access to these tools (those who do not have smartphones). Will I be losing all of my students who are staying virtual and how will that impact my study? (This is specific to NHS PE… We are meeting with admin today and hopefully at least this much is answered!)
1 Comment
Lynda Bergner
10/20/2020 07:53:55 pm
I like your premise. I also like the idea of having group A with trackers vs Group B without trackers. Maybe you can do a survey asking students who has a tracker and smartphone and then organize your groups that way? Maybe have 4 groups, A and B are on campus and groups C and D are at home?
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About Dustin Green:High School PE Teacher Archives
March 2021
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