Professors Ali Brian, Ph.D.; Sally Miedema, Ph.D.;  and Andrea Taliaferro, Ph.D. in the College of Education have received a $400,000 grant from the Duke Foundation to develop “The Walking Classroom.” 

 

What it is: The Walking Classroom will study the effects of incorporating active walking strategies on student’s overall health in elementary and middle-level grades. 

• Students will listen to a 20-minute podcast that details an academic concept, health literacy messages, physical health or character development traits. 
• Students will walk briskly throughout the school and its grounds on paths developed with their educators. 
• 167 different podcast episodes cover topics including, language arts, social studies, stress management, concentration, dangers of smoking, cooperation, patience or bullying. 
• After the walk, students will debrief with their educators to make deep connections to the content, enhance critical thinking and discussion skills. 

 

What’s next: Scholar-researchers will examine the effects of The Walking Classroom on students’ physical activity, knowledge and choice behaviors that encompass health literacy, social well-being, and academic achievement over the course of a two-year period.