Parents’ Perceptions of a University-based Children’s Physical Activity Program

Authors

  • Richard D Buote Memorial University of Newfoundland http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7981-7854
  • Erin L McGowan Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Angela Loucks-Atkinson Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Kyoung June Yi University of Manitoba
  • Erin M Cameron Northern Ontario School of Medicine
  • Christopher Borduas
  • Matthew J Patey Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Anne-Marie Sullivan Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • TA Loeffler Memorial University of Newfoundland

Keywords:

Physical literacy, experiential learning, university-based programming, health promotion

Abstract

Physical inactivity has been called a crisis facing Canadian children and youth. Universities play a role in addressing this crisis; training future health professionals and educators and offering publicly accessible programming, such as physical activity programming. This study evaluates a children’s university-based physical activity program. A mixed-methods design was employed, capturing parents’ experience within the program through an online survey and one-on-one interviews. Participants felt that the program offered a safe place for their children to learn about their abilites while developing social and physical skills. Parents spoke to the importance of offering a quality program in an inclusive environment which could benefit both the university and community. Universities that have appropriate facilities are in a position to provide physical activity programming for their communities, offering potential learning opportunities for students and impacting health and physical activity levels of the community.

Keywords:physical literacy; physical education; health promotion; university-based programming; experiential learning

 RÉSUMÉ

Les enfants et les jeunes Canadiens vivent ce qu’il est convenu d’appeler une crise de l’inactivité physique.  Les universités jouent un rôle dans la résolution de cette crise par leur engagement dans la formation de professionnels de la santé, d’éducateurs et en offrant des programmes d’activité physique ouverts aux enfants. Cette étude a pour but d’évaluer un tel programme offert à des enfants dans des installations universitaires. Une approche mixte de recherche a permis de décrire l’expérience de parents dans ce programme: un questionnaire en ligne et une entrevue individuelle.  Les participants estiment que le programme offre un endroit sécuritaire à leurs enfants pour développer leurs habiletés tant physiques que sociales.  Les parents mentionnent l’importance d’offrir un programme de qualité dans un environnement inclusif au bénéfice de la communauté et de l’université.  Les universités disposant d’installations appropriées peuvent offrir des programmes d’activité physique à leur communauté, ouvrant ainsi la porte à des occasions d’apprentissage pour les élèves, ce qui peut influencer la santé et le niveau d’activité physique de cette communauté. 

 Mots cléslittératie physique; éducation physique; promotion de la santé; programmation en milieu universitaire; apprentissage expérientiel

Author Biographies

Richard D Buote, Memorial University of Newfoundland

PhD student
Division of Community Health and Humanities
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Erin L McGowan, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Assistant Professor
School of Human Kinetics and Recreation
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Angela Loucks-Atkinson, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Associate Professor
School of Human Kinetics and Recreation
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Kyoung June Yi, University of Manitoba

Assistant Professor
Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
University of Manitoba

Erin M Cameron, Northern Ontario School of Medicine

Assistant Professor
Northern Ontario School of Medicine

Anne-Marie Sullivan, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Associate Professor
School of Human Kinetics and Recreation
Memorial University of Newfoundland

TA Loeffler, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Professor
School of Human Kinetics and Recreation
Memorial University of Newfoundland

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Published

2019-03-01

Issue

Section

Feature Articles / Articles de fond