Page 79 - Sember, Vedrana, and Shawnda A. Morrison. 2018. The Mind-Body Connection. Koper: University of Primorska Press.
P. 79
Body-Mind Connection
In many studies, it was found that physical education affects some
elements which are supposed to be the effects that raise academic
performance of children. These factors are higher self-esteem, body
image, concentration and better behavior in the classroom. Factors
that lead to better academic performance are reflected in Grade
point average (GPA).
Modern, fast lifestyle, unhealthy food choices and lack of exercise
are increasingly destroying the health of the younger population
worldwide. With increases in sedentary activities (watching televi-
sion, use of computer, learning), there is a corresponding decrease
in overall physical activity. Because of large academic breadth of
school curricula in many school environments, there remains less
time dedicated to children’s physical activity. A satisfactory amount
of physical activity does not only make a positive effect on children’s
health but also affects elements (self-esteem, body-image, concen-
tration and better behavior in the classroom) which lead to better
academic performance. Physical activity in elementary schools as
a part of physical education (Sallis et al., 1999), afternoon sports
related activities (Marsh, 1993), extracurricular activities (Eccles,
Barber, Stone, & Hunt, 2003), physical exertion in school curriculum
and recess periods (Verstraete, Greet, Dirk, Ilse & Bourdeaudhuij,
2006) have a significant impact on classroom behavior, self-esteem,
self-image, body image and cognitive function in elementary school
children. All these factors have an impact on learning outcomes,
which lead to better academic performance.
Parents are often concerned that increased physical activity and
participation in sport affect academic achievement negatively be-
cause not enough time is perceived to be devoted to the reading ma-
terial and homework. In addition to the negative effects of watching
TV, there is also a greater decline in academic performance (Sharif &
Sargent, 2006). In primary education, it should be imparted to chil-
dren that body movement is part of everyday life. A successful way
to achieve sufficient daily movement is by adding extracurricular
minutes to physical education in school, or by adding some extra-
curricular physical activities before or after school.
77
In many studies, it was found that physical education affects some
elements which are supposed to be the effects that raise academic
performance of children. These factors are higher self-esteem, body
image, concentration and better behavior in the classroom. Factors
that lead to better academic performance are reflected in Grade
point average (GPA).
Modern, fast lifestyle, unhealthy food choices and lack of exercise
are increasingly destroying the health of the younger population
worldwide. With increases in sedentary activities (watching televi-
sion, use of computer, learning), there is a corresponding decrease
in overall physical activity. Because of large academic breadth of
school curricula in many school environments, there remains less
time dedicated to children’s physical activity. A satisfactory amount
of physical activity does not only make a positive effect on children’s
health but also affects elements (self-esteem, body-image, concen-
tration and better behavior in the classroom) which lead to better
academic performance. Physical activity in elementary schools as
a part of physical education (Sallis et al., 1999), afternoon sports
related activities (Marsh, 1993), extracurricular activities (Eccles,
Barber, Stone, & Hunt, 2003), physical exertion in school curriculum
and recess periods (Verstraete, Greet, Dirk, Ilse & Bourdeaudhuij,
2006) have a significant impact on classroom behavior, self-esteem,
self-image, body image and cognitive function in elementary school
children. All these factors have an impact on learning outcomes,
which lead to better academic performance.
Parents are often concerned that increased physical activity and
participation in sport affect academic achievement negatively be-
cause not enough time is perceived to be devoted to the reading ma-
terial and homework. In addition to the negative effects of watching
TV, there is also a greater decline in academic performance (Sharif &
Sargent, 2006). In primary education, it should be imparted to chil-
dren that body movement is part of everyday life. A successful way
to achieve sufficient daily movement is by adding extracurricular
minutes to physical education in school, or by adding some extra-
curricular physical activities before or after school.
77
