No more sitting for hours on end
During that same period, Tanck was appointed professor of Movement Sciences Education, a role in which she conducts research into educational innovations in the field of human movement sciences. ‘A few years ago, I decided to take the “movement” in that title a bit more literally. Depending on their timetable, students spend four to six hours a day sitting down to attend lectures. Yet they are simultaneously learning about the importance of regular exercise.’ Tanck sums it up: ‘We expect that incorporating physical activity into a typical day at university will have a positive impact on students’ concentration, engagement, motivation and well-being.’
She herself already encourages physical activity during and around lectures, without it taking away from teaching time. ‘This can be done in all sorts of ways: by sending students outside during the break, by having them discuss topics in small groups whilst walking, or by asking quiz questions where students have to stand up or walk to a corner of the lecture theatre to give their answer.’ To her delight, there are already colleagues in Biomedical Sciences who are incorporating physical activity into teaching in a similar way, but her aim is to make it a structural part of the degree programme.
The right form of physical activity
This must be done in a way that is supported by both lecturers and students. ‘Personally, I would welcome it if a lecturer took a few minutes for everyone to do some physical exercises. But if a lecturer feels uncomfortable with that, or if the students have absolutely no interest in it, then that is obviously not the right way to encourage physical activity.’
To encourage more physical activity in a way that both students and lecturers can agree on, Tanck uses the BVO model (model for a physical activity-friendly environment). ‘Within that model, we look at the hardware, the software and the orgware of an environment – in this case, our Biomedical Sciences programme.’
Hardware refers to the physical environment: the opportunities for physical activity available in lecture theatres or in and around the buildings. Software refers to the activities that can be carried out, ranging from a walk to an exercise where students must respond by walking to a corner of the classroom. Finally, orgware concerns the policies within the programme, such as guidelines and workshops for lecturers on ways to encourage physical activity during their teaching.
Physical activity as the norm
‘Together with students, lecturers and the educational organisation, we are looking at all three levels to see how we can encourage physical activity during lectures.’ Initially, the research is focusing on the Biomedical Sciences programme, but if Tanck has her way, the focus on physical activity will spread from the Faculty of Medical Sciences across the entire university. ‘We’re not quite there yet, of course, although the initial feedback has been positive. The students I spoke to during focus groups are enthusiastic. And we’ve also received positive reactions from colleagues following presentations about our plans. Ultimately, my goal is for physical activity to become a natural part of education.’
Staff, get moving too
Although her current project is aimed at students, Tanck also encourages staff to make physical activity part of their day. ‘Schedule walking meetings or book a room in another building, so that you have to walk a short distance between your appointments.’ Interviewing whilst walking certainly proves to be refreshing. The notes may be a little less neatly scribbled down, but afterwards you feel a lot more energetic.
