active learning specialist course

© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA

Active Learning Specialist Course Evidence-based help for teachers to educate students more effectively

Program

Description

Fizika Active Learning is an evidence-

based approach that helps educators

achieve physical literacy through the

learning process, to improve academic

and health outcomes.

The Fizika Active Learning Program is

informed by a growing body of

scientific research that a properly- designed, collaborative initiative can positively impact student academic

performance, motivate students to be more physically active and help students with special needs reach a

higher level of their potential.

Fizika Active Learning is based on the latest research and best practices in educational neuroscience,

cognitive psychology and physical literacy, supported by real-life results in schools and programs across the

country and around the world.

The centerpiece of Fizika’s product offering is the Active Learning Specialist course, an online graduate level

course that teachers the science, methodologies, and leadership tools needed to apply the principles of using

the body to help the mind learn effectively. The course is especially helpful for teachers and administrators,

but can be applied in a corporate setting as well.

Currently available through Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg, PA USA, the

course has attracted a global audience of practitioners – from a physical educator in Vietnam, to a sports

specialist in the UK. Their testimonials speak to the comprehensive nature of the ALS course – as both a

practical introduction to the neuroscience linking physical activity with brain development and cognition –

and as a guide to the leadership tools needed to create and drive positive change.

“We think too much about effective

methods of teaching and not enough

about effective methods of learning.”

John Carolus, S.J.

1

http://www.fizikagroup.com

© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA 2

Online Certificate Course

● Designed for practitioners; provides skills and knowledge to create an Active Learning Plan

● Applies best practices and research from the fields of education, health and physical science

● Subject matter experts and instructors provide feedback to guide development of your plan

● Presents evidence-based techniques for leading organizational change and team building

● Work through the course at your own pace; estimated time to complete: 40 – 60 hours

● Earn CEU or graduate credit to advance your career



Active Learning Specialist Course

Executive Summary

Fizika’s approach to Active Learning is unique: a synthesis of the latest research on how our brains learn,

coupled with leadership and team development, to ensure systemic change in the learning environment.

The course is based on the following fundamental disciplines:

● Physical Literacy: Originally authored by Dr. Margaret Whitehead in 1991,

physical literacy emphasizes the importance of fundamental movement skills

and their role in helping young people acquire the competence and desire to

be physically active for life. Fizika’s founders, Martha Lester Harris, MPA

and Michael Cordier, HED are active members of the newly formed Interna-

"My future principal

asked me to find re-

search on why PE is

important. I sent an

email to the principal

that outlined all the

reasons why students

need quality physical

education every day –

preferably in the morn-

ing. It was really cool

because everything

I've been doing has led

to this kind of advo-

cacy. The ideas I've

been developing with

your help through this

course are now more

important than they

were when I started

this course!”

● Educational Neuroscience: Emerging field in neuroscience to understand how

learning is optimized through brain pathways, chemistry in the brain, and the

impact of physical movement on brain development.

● Cognitive Psychology: Learning preferences and delivery mechanisms for

optimal knowledge transfer and application.

● Best Practices: Examples of application of certain portions of the core pillars of

Active Learning in a variety of school settings and the associated results.

Active Learning Specialists tailor interventions to a specific learning need or

group of students. The Active Learning Specialist forms a group of stakeholders

to assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of the

intervention (Active Learning Plan). The Active Learning Specialist works

collaboratively with an Active Learning Team to:

● Define the roles of each person on the team

● Assign responsibilities and milestones

● Identify the needs to be addressed by active learning interventions.

● Demonstrate how the Active Learning Plan will enhance student engagement

● Provide training to team members to understand research and best practices

● Communicate internally to stakeholders and externally to community

● Continuously record improvements (outcomes ); allow for plan adjustments

Darrell Haines Active Learning Specialist, American International

School, Vietnam



The techniques taught in the ALS course have produced positive outcomes in learning and classroom

behavior of students. The ALS course is designed to help teachers modify their instructional practices on a

student-by-student basis.

The need for Fizika Active Learning was highlighted by the Institute of Medicine in its May 2013 report:

“Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School” (www.iom.edu).

The report pinpoints the need to expand access to quality physical education in all

50 states and provide opportunities for physical activity that enable students to be

active for 60 minutes a day. Specifically, the IOM report calls for “more professional

development for teachers and pre-service teachers to learn how to infuse physical

activity across the curriculum,” a focal point of the Active Learning Specialist

Course.

“Every step of bringing

Active Learning into

my classroom was

covered in strong

detail by way of

interactive, viewer

friendly slides based

heavily in the latest

research. I took the

course hoping to find

some direction as I

sought to bring brain

breaks to my

classroom teachers,

and I leave with a fully

intact plan of doing

just that. This proved

to be a great profes-

sional development

tool that I will continue

to use throughout my

career."

For more information on the IOM study, download an infographics and view a

video that illustrates the findings of the Report, go to www.iom.edu/

studentbody.

With its focus on improving physical literacy, the Active Learning Specialist

Course can help physical educators incorporate the new national physical

education standards and learning outcomes. The goal of the new physical

education standards is to foster the development of physically literate adults

who know how to maintain physical health across their lifespan.

Active Learning Specialists are trained to work collaboratively to reinforce

health and physical literacy across the curriculum. Mike Humphreys Active Learning Specialist,

Arlington (VA)

Public Schools


http://www.iom.edu/

http://www.iom.edu/studentbody

http://www.iom.edu/studentbody


Robert Fulton

Elementary Adopted Fizika’s approach

to active learning in 2013

Principal Dr. Jill C. Martin invited

three members of her staff to take

the Active Learning Specialist

Course during the first session

offered by Harrisburg University of

Science & Technology in July 2013.

A parent educator, classroom teacher and special

education teacher formed the nucleus of Fulton's

Active Learning Team.

The school received a Healthy Champions grant

from the General Mills Foundation which made it

possible for all Fulton staff members to be trained

by Fizika Group in basic educational neurosci-

ence, health and physical literacy concepts.

Fifteen minutes of physical activity was added to

the school day: Healthy and Active Learning at Fulton

(HALFTime) enabled classroom teachers to bring the

benefits of healthy eating and physical activity to their

students through fun, engaging products like FitBits

(from the Michigan Fitness Foundation) and Sqord

accelerometers to motivate upper class students to be more active.

“Fizika active learning provides the common denominator so that all

students can participate fully in the learning process.”

Dr. Jill C. Martin, Principal

Case Study Lancaster, PA

Results: Fulton Healthy & Active Learners

· H.A.L.F. time: extra 15 minutes for daily physical activity

· Fizika trained all teachers, aides, counselors

· New teacher evaluation measures physical activity

· Students, teachers exercise & learn about good nutrition

· Behavioral incidents reduced - staff morale improved



“Having taught PE for over 20 years I was well aware of

the connection between improved academic success and

physical activity. My school was designated a Specialist

Sports College in 2001 and it was no coincidence that

when we introduced PE and Sport as our main focus

grades sky rocketed in other subjects.

“Fizika’s Active Learning Specialist course has physical

literacy at it is core – it helps you (as a teacher) to under-

stand the theory behind the practice and makes you re-

flect upon your pedagogy and how you can implement

interventions that will help your pupils to succeed. I

found the course challenging to my thinking and infor-

mative in the way that I could further develop a team of

individuals who would move pupil progress forward.

“The resources are an excellent introduction to the pro-

gram but the content will drive you forward to improve

your practice and to see where you can make the differ-

ence and narrow the gap between your students’ cur-

rent attainment and their target grade. Pupil progress is

the major indicator of your success as a teacher and the

Fizika Active Learning Specialist will help you to make

the most of the interventions that you put in place to

make this better and more enjoyable for both yourself

and your students.

“I would unreservedly recommend this course to any-

one who wants to make a difference.”

Comments from Course Participants

John Douglas

Active Learning Specialist,

Head of PE,

John Spence

Community High School-

A Specialist Sports College-

North Shields, Tyne & Wear,

United Kingdom



Commentary—Leslie Arnold

Active Learning Specialist, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences:

"When I began this course, I would have never expected to launch a formal

study in higher education. I look forward to implementing my active learning

study to determine how active learning will help students dedicate their energy

to completing quality academic work. This should result in students earning no

less than the required grade for the course, according to their major, and/or

earning a grade reflective of above average performance."

More comments from course participants

“This course was helpful to me as a new teacher and site supervisor of an after

school program. I often reflect on the lesson about leadership. I apply a lot of

those ideas to my job to get support from families and staff. I am more aware of

when my kindergarteners need a ‘brain break.’ We do several a day and the

students love them. “

“The Active Learning and Pedagogy lesson was valuable because program di-

rectors and parents always want to know the value of your program. It is bene-

ficial to have brain-based research to show the importance of Active Learning.

The research linking physical activity and learning helps to persuade people to

support the program.”

“I used this class as a review for my teaching style. I always want my students

moving since I am the PE teacher. So it was a good refresher for me to incorpo-

rate movement into my health classes since I am able to use the gym this year.”



The Active Learning Specialist Course was developed by Fizika Group LLC in partnership with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

To enroll in the Active Learning Specialist Course, go to:

https://professionaled.harrisburgu.edu/active-learning

Active Learning Specialist Course

2014-15 Schedule

FALL 2014 COURSE

Start Date 10/1 – End Date: 12/20/14

Enrollment opens 8/5/14

WINTER 2015 COURSE

Start Date: 1/20/15 – End Date 3/14/15


SPRING 2015 COURSE

Start date: 4/7 - End date: 6/13/15


SUMMER 2015 COURSE

Start date: 7/1 - End date: 9/19/15


TUITION

(Effective September 2014)

$495 for Continuing Education Unit (CEU)/Act 48 Credit

$625 for 1 Graduate Credit

Discounts available for professional association members and

three or more participants from same school or organization.

Contact Fizika Group to see if you qualify for discounted tuition.


https://professionaled.harrisburgu.edu/active-learning

active learning specialist course

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