Movement as part of teaching

Adding movement to teaching is beneficial as it increases both the prerequisites for learning, such as attention and memory, and the well-being of the student. University students sit for long periods during the day, on average over 10 hours. Long-term sitting and being stationary leads to body stiffness and also difficulties in concentration. Movement during study improves concentration and enhances memory function, which is reflected in better learning outcomes. 

An easy way to add movement to lectures is to give it permission. Permission can be given, for example, 

• by saying aloud “You are allowed to move around as needed during this lecture” 
• by adding text to the slide show “You can also listen to this lecture standing up” 
• by adding break stickers to the slides to indicate the place of movement. 

Another proven way to add movement is to agree with the students at the beginning of the hour on the places of breaks (e.g., every 30 minutes), when everyone gets up at least for a moment and moves around or participates together in a short break exercise video. Explore proven practices, materials, and related articles from the links. 

Tampere Universities staff: See the tips of the Movement of Part of Teaching theme week 30 September – 4 October 2024 (the links will open in a new window):

• Movement as part of teaching: Monday Motivation! lock
• Movement as part of teaching: Tuesday’s Break Exercise with New Angle lock
• Movement as part of teaching: Wednesday for Walking Meetings lock
• Movement as part of teaching: Thursday for Active Lessons lock
• Movement as part of teaching: On Friday Bottom up off the Bench lock