Affording Embodied Learning in and beyond the Classroom Environment: A Sample Study in the Belgian Secondary School Landscape

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Affording Embodied Learning in and beyond the Classroom Environment: A Sample Study in the Belgian Secondary School Landscape
Language: English
Authors: Lindsay Everaert (ORCID 0000-0002-9078-2346), Wim Tops, Anouk Agten, Jan Vanrie, Ruth Stevens
Source: Improving Schools. 2025 27(2-3):88-103.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Educational Environment, Teaching Methods, Human Body, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Affordances, Secondary School Students, Secondary School Teachers, Special Education, Special Schools, Students with Disabilities, Catholic Schools, Community Schools, Secondary Schools, Space Utilization, Physical Environment, Educational Facilities Design
Geographic Terms: Belgium
DOI: 10.1177/13654802251401648
ISSN: 1365-4802
1475-7583
Abstract: Embodied learning, learning while executing physical activities, is effective, but understudied in secondary education. Furthermore, classrooms often lack space for movement, making it challenging for pupils to engage in embodied learning. To stimulate learning through design, designers can rely on the affordance theory. The current study examines (1) which spatial parameters hamper or facilitate embodied learning, and (2) what learning affordances pupils see and anticipate on in their current secondary school environment to engage in embodied learning. Three qualitative methods were executed. The study revealed that pupils can access the properties of objects or spaces that might hamper or facilitate embodied learning. However, pupils struggle to recognize opportunities for movement in spaces outside the classroom, suggesting that the learning environment seems to be delineated and does not cover the entire school environment according to pupils, hindering their ability to engage in movement and learning.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1490872
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Embodied learning, learning while executing physical activities, is effective, but understudied in secondary education. Furthermore, classrooms often lack space for movement, making it challenging for pupils to engage in embodied learning. To stimulate learning through design, designers can rely on the affordance theory. The current study examines (1) which spatial parameters hamper or facilitate embodied learning, and (2) what learning affordances pupils see and anticipate on in their current secondary school environment to engage in embodied learning. Three qualitative methods were executed. The study revealed that pupils can access the properties of objects or spaces that might hamper or facilitate embodied learning. However, pupils struggle to recognize opportunities for movement in spaces outside the classroom, suggesting that the learning environment seems to be delineated and does not cover the entire school environment according to pupils, hindering their ability to engage in movement and learning.
ISSN:1365-4802
1475-7583
DOI:10.1177/13654802251401648