Improving learning
Zero Hour PE originated in the United States and refers to a morning exercise session that sought to get students’ heart rates up to 80–90% of maximum before their first class of the day.
This innovative experiment in physical education got its start more than 10 years ago at Naperville Central High School outside of Chicago. Some 60% of the school’s literacy students volunteered to participate in the program. Once they finished their exercise, they attended a literacy class that measured exercise’s impact on learning.
After just one semester, the reading comprehension scores of students participating in the program increased by 17%, versus a 10.7% increase for students who attended only the school’s normal physical education courses. Based on these results, the consultant directing the study recommended that all of the school’s students have PE courses scheduled immediately before their most intellectually demanding courses to take full advantage of the positive effects of exercise.
On seeing the success that Naperville Central had with the program, other schools around the US began emulating it. Dajia Primary introduced the program four years ago.
Dajia principal Chen Langyong says that the school had had an issue with working parents bringing their children to school before seven so they could get to work on time. Concerned about student safety, the school repeatedly reminded them not to drop their kids off too early.
When the reminders failed to change parents’ behavior, the school began looking into other approaches. With so many children there early, the school felt it would be worthwhile to arrange something meaningful for them to do, and the Zero Hour PE program looked like a perfect fit.
Initially, a number of parents and teachers were dubious of the idea of exercising before studying. They worried that students who had just been running and jumping wouldn’t be able to settle down for class.
But the experiment showed exactly the opposite. Children who participated in the Zero Hour PE program not only had improved body mass index (BMI) scores, but also had more energy, were in a better mood, and had better focus in class. This was especially true of children who had been rowdy or troublemakers. When these students were able to burn off some energy on the athletic field, they were better behaved in class.
Participation in the program has increased in response to its excellent results. In fact, more than 110 students enrolled in it for the fall 2013 semester.