Experiential Learning Through Physical Activity: The Fitness, Friendship, and Fun Program
Document Type
Conference Paper
Publication Date
4-19-2024
Department
Health and Sport Science
Abstract
This presentation offers an overview of the experiential learning component provided within the Department of Health and Sport Science (HSS) Essentials of Youth Fitness course. The Fitness, Friendship, and Fun (FFF) Program is currently partnered with Holy Angels Catholic School and allows HSS students the opportunity to provide service in the form of fitness training to elementary school children.
Within the course, students are introduced to concepts of motor development and youth-appropriate fitness testing and modalities. The FFF Program occurs over eight weeks during the semester, two devoted to fitness testing (pre and post testing) and six devoted to the implementation of fitness training sessions. Students develop and implement weekly fitness programs with the youth participants, engaging them in physical activity, coaching proper movement patterns, and adapting their exercises to individual capabilities through progressions and regressions. Assessment of the experiential learning component is performed using weekly reflection and a detailed program log.
Through incorporation of the FFF program, undergraduate students gain valuable practical experience working with a youth population and applying their coursework, while children from Holy Angels learn the benefits of healthy, active living.
Keywords
Youth Fitness Experiential Learning Exercise
Disciplines
Education | Medicine and Health Sciences
eCommons Citation
Gallo, Gerry and Beerse, Matt, "Experiential Learning Through Physical Activity: The Fitness, Friendship, and Fun Program" (2024). Thomas C. Hunt Building a Research Community Day. 63.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/sehs_brc/63
COinS
Comments
This presentation offers an overview of the experiential learning component provided within the Department of Health and Sport Science (HSS) Essentials of Youth Fitness course. The Fitness, Friendship, and Fun (FFF) Program is currently partnered with Holy Angels Catholic School and allows HSS students the opportunity to provide service in the form of fitness training to elementary school children.
Within the course, students are introduced to concepts of motor development and youth-appropriate fitness testing and modalities. The FFF Program occurs over eight weeks during the semester, two devoted to fitness testing (pre and post testing) and six devoted to the implementation of fitness training sessions. Students develop and implement weekly fitness programs with the youth participants, engaging them in physical activity, coaching proper movement patterns, and adapting their exercises to individual capabilities through progressions and regressions. Assessment of the experiential learning component is performed using weekly reflection and a detailed program log.
Through incorporation of the FFF program, undergraduate students gain valuable practical experience working with a youth population and applying their coursework, while children from Holy Angels learn the benefits of healthy, active living.