Date of Award
10-15-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education
Program
Educational Leadership
Capstone Instructor
Brian Boothe
Second Reader
Michael Foster
Keywords
brain breaks, movement, outdoor education, nature-based learning, technology, mental health
Abstract
This paper examined research intent on the purpose of studying how educational leaders may support the mental, social, and emotional health of adolescents through incorporating outdoor educational opportunities and movement breaks in the classroom. The qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches used, delve into the ways of incorporating movement in the classroom through brain breaks, utilizing outdoor education opportunities, and the effects technology can have. These concepts and tools can work together to support the mental, social, and emotional health of adolescents as well as to promote greater academic growth. However, they must be utilized appropriately for intended success. The studies analyze the needed incorporation of movement breaks, as a way to give the brain time to process the content appropriately, decrease time spent sedentary, and increase focus and on-task behavior. The research also analyzed how the incorporation of outdoor education allows for hands-on experiences, increased social connections, and greater time spent outdoors. As it relates to time spent outdoors, research does caution the use of technology in connection to reducing green time. If overused or used inappropriately, technology can have a negative effect on the mental, social, and emotional health of adolescents. Educators must work together to support students. This includes the proper implementation of movement in the classroom, outdoor education, and appropriate technology usage.
Keywords: brain breaks, movement, outdoor education, nature-based learning, technology, and mental health.