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Using Implementation Mapping to develop and test an implementation strategy for active learning to promote physical
Timothy J Walker1, Harold W Kohl2,3, John B Bartholomew3
1Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., TX, 77030, Houston, USA. Timothy.J.Walker@uth.tmc.edu.
This study developed and tested an implementation strategy to integrate active learning in elementary schools, aiming to improve children's health and academic success through physical movement during lessons.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Implementation Science
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Active learning, integrating physical movement with academic content, offers benefits for children's health and academic performance.
- Schools face challenges in implementing active learning strategies effectively.
- This study addresses the need for a structured approach to implement active learning in elementary education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scientifically-based implementation strategy for active learning in elementary schools using Implementation Mapping.
- To examine the impact of this strategy on the implementation and effectiveness of active learning.
- To assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the strategy for future research and practice.
Main Methods:
- Implementation Mapping was used to develop the strategy, incorporating theory, stakeholder input, and literature.
- A Hybrid Type 2 feasibility study was conducted in two elementary schools, with one receiving the new strategy and the other usual support.
- Outcomes included acceptability, implementation fidelity, and student physical activity levels, analyzed using Bayesian statistics and mixed methods.
Main Results:
- The study successfully developed an implementation strategy for active learning.
- Preliminary data will be collected on implementation outcomes (acceptability, fidelity) and effectiveness (physical activity).
- Bayesian statistics and mixed methods will provide a comprehensive analysis of the strategy's feasibility and preliminary effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- The study's framework, centered on Implementation Mapping, provides a robust method for developing and testing implementation strategies.
- Methodological rigor, including mixed methods and Bayesian statistics, ensures a thorough evaluation of feasibility and preliminary effectiveness.
- Findings will guide future research and practical application of active learning in school settings.
