Investigating the Role of Physical Activity in Mathematics Learning

精通数学是取得学术和专业成功的关键技能，但联合王国在向民众推广算术技能方面面临挑战。与此同时，人们对儿童的体力活动(PA)水平较低表示担忧。本研究旨在探讨PA在数学学习中的作用，并探讨这种关系的机制。以往的研究已经广泛地探讨了身体活动对认知功能、学业成绩和课堂行为的影响。然而，尽管在童年时期获得的数学技能对未来的成就具有重要意义，但人们对PA对数学学习的具体影响的关注有限。本研究建议找出现有文献中的关键研究领域和差距：PA干预的最佳持续时间、频率和强度：有必要了解PA干预的理想持续时间、频率和强度，同时考虑到学生的基线能力以及人口和社会经济因素。一些研究表明，较长的干预措施对数学成绩较差的学生有更大的好处，而较短的干预措施对成绩较好的学生有好处，这与对基线有氧健身的研究一致。PA对ML的作用机制：包括有氧健身在PA与学习成绩之间的关系中的作用，对数学学习中认知负荷的影响，与学业成绩的联系，过程评价，以及与数学学习相关的焦虑的影响。研究的目的是：调查机制：探索PA如何影响ML，包括有氧健身、认知负荷、抑制性控制、参与、自我效能和焦虑。最佳剂量和强度：确定理想的剂量、持续时间、以及针对不同学生群体的PA干预强度。实验研究：使用适应性剂量方法进行实验研究，根据个体因素定制干预措施，并将其与传统的久坐学习和其他干预方法进行比较。人口学和社会经济因素：分析人口和社会经济因素对PA与数学学习之间关系的影响。框架开发：针对不同的学生队列，制定将PA融入ML的框架，并提供政策建议。方法包括文献综述、适应性剂量的实验研究，以及通过评估、身体测试和数据收集这项研究的意义在于，它有可能提供一个全面的理解，即PA如何影响ML，其作用机制，以及针对不同学生群体的最佳干预策略。研究结果将为教育实践和政策提供参考，帮助设计有效的战略，以提高儿童的计算技能和促进儿童的体力活动，从而促进学业和整体福祉。

Mathematics proficiency is a vital skill for academic and professional success, but the United Kingdom faces challenges in promoting numeracy skills among its population. Simultaneously, concerns arise regarding low physical activity (PA) levels among children. This research proposal aims to investigate the role of PA in mathematics learning (ML) and explore the mechanisms underlying this relationship.Previous studies have extensively explored the effects of physical activities on cognitive function, academic achievement, and classroom behaviour. However, limited attention has been given to the specific impact of PA on mathematics learning, despite the significance of mathematical skills acquired in childhood for future accomplishments. Empirical studies exploring the integration of PA into academic lessons have yielded inconclusive results regarding its impact on mathematical performance.This research proposal identifies key research areas and gaps in the existing literature:Optimal Duration, Frequency, and Intensity of PA Interventions: There is a need to understand the ideal duration, frequency, and intensity of PA interventions, taking into account students' baseline abilities and demographic and socioeconomic factors. Some studies suggest that longer interventions benefit low-achieving math students more, while shorter interventions benefit high-achievers, aligning with research on baseline aerobic fitness. Further investigation is warranted.Mechanisms of PA on ML: This includes examining the role of aerobic fitness in the relationship between PA and academic performance, the impact on cognitive load during math learning, the connection to academic achievement, process evaluation, and the influence of anxiety associated with math learning.The research aims to:Investigate Mechanisms: Explore how PA affects ML, including the role of aerobic fitness, cognitive load, inhibitory control, engagement, self-efficacy, and anxiety.Optimal Dosage and Intensity: Determine the ideal dosage, duration, and intensity of PA interventions for different student cohorts.Experimental Study: Conduct an experimental study using an adaptive dosage approach to tailor interventions based on individual factors and compare it with traditional sedentary learning and other intervention approaches.Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors: Analyse the influence of demographic and socioeconomic factors on the relationship between PA and mathematical learning.Framework Development: Develop a framework for integrating PA into ML for different student cohorts and provide policy recommendations.The methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, an experimental study with adaptive dosing, and data collection through assessments, physical tests, and questionnaires.The research's significance lies in its potential to provide a comprehensive understanding of how PA impacts ML, the mechanisms at play, and optimal intervention strategies for different student groups. The findings will inform educational practices and policies, helping design effective strategies to enhance numeracy skills and promote physical activity among children, thereby contributing to academic and overall well-being.