Let’s get physical: using movement and outdoor spaces to enhance learning

When students are doing – whether moving around the classroom or applying knowledge in a new environment – they’re engaged, inspired and motivated. This collection brings together tips and advice for adding physical activity to your teaching and taking students outdoors to improve their learning experiences and outcomes.

Female students looking at phone outdoors illustrating embodied learning

Embodied learning: how to bring movement into the classroom, and why it matters

Susan Hrach offers practical advice on using physical activity and outdoor space to enhance learning

Susan Hrach

Columbus State University

Cycling, running and other forms of exercise can be encouraged among university students by tutors who offer academic credits for exercise

Want students to exercise more? Make it part of their course

The body hears everything the mind says, so it is said. That is certainly true when teachers offer extra academic credits in return for physical activity, says Roberto Villaseñor-Roldán

Roberto Villaseñor-Roldán

Monterrey Institute of Technology

Advice on why and how to bring movement into your classes to improve learning outcomes

Why and how to bring physical movement into the classroom

There are multiple benefits to bringing regular movement into the classroom, research shows. Stephen Braybrook lists the concerns that prevent educators from doing so, and offers guidance to overcome them

Stephen Braybrook

Brain Move

Image to depict how sensory and motor systems aid learning

Improving learning through physical action and sensory perception

Drawing on movement and sensory perception as part of learning can enhance outcomes, research shows. Sheila L. Macrine and Jennifer M. B. Fugate explain how to put this into practice

Sheila L Macrine, Jennifer MB Fugate

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Kansas City University

Advice for taking your university teaching out of the lecture theatre or classroom

Bringing learning to life: nine tips for teaching in outdoor places and spaces

David A. G. Clarke reflects on his experience of teaching in outdoor spaces and provides valuable tips on how to take higher education outside the classroom

David A. G. Clarke

The University of Edinburgh

Encourage students to take their online learning outside

Take your online teaching outside

Being outdoors can offer students and teachers dozens of benefits, from improved learning outcomes to better mental health. Aimée Little talks about taking online classes outside

Aimée Little

University of York