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In recent studies it has been shown that participating in athletics may lead to adolescents having more success in the classroom than their non-sports playing counterparts. A survey done by Michigan State University and USA Today shows that, “35 million United States children between the ages of five and eighteen are involved in youth athletic programs and have a regular AP” (Youth Sports Statistics, 2013). Please note that AP throughout all research studies mentioned means “athletic participation.” While all research projects my classmates have done this semester in the field of child and adolescent development have relevance to a demographic today, mine has connection across all demographics. Whether it is students in low-income neighborhoods …show more content…
A culmination of sorts between the values of exercise in recess and gym, crossed with the study of skills students need to succeed in the classroom; such skills as cooperation, information processing, and time management skills. Cooperation is defined in our textbook as, “collaboration on a task a small group of people working toward a common goal.” While information processing is, “a symbol-manipulating system of the human mind through which information flows” (Berk, 2012). These general skills, along with other become general themes as I review three articles on the topic of athletic participation on academic success of adolescents and then later as I discuss and critique the studies alongside each …show more content…
Ward, Jr. (2008) of Francis Marion University also examines the effect of athletics on academic achievement. His report mentions the idea that since the 1960s, while there has been some disagreement, almost all studies on individual involvement in athletics have pointed to favorable outcomes in the classroom. The difference, however in Ward’s studies to others I have read about is that he examined the effect of interscholastic athletic participation on the overall academic improvements of a group; is this case Arkansas school districts. Ward collected data for his research from the website of the Arkansas Department of Education, information was analyzed from 227 (Arkansas) districts for the 2004-2005 school year. In analysis, he assessed student results for 1) basic skills, and 2) preparation for college. Basic skills were examined through math scores and scores on the American College Test (ACT) judged literacy while college preparedness. Ward in his research found that participation in athletics had no real effect at the district level of academic performance. An area of study that is said to be largely unnoticed, group effects of athletic participation outside of schoolwork at this point does not show the same positive effect that individual students experience. “Thus, it appears that school districts neither lose nor fain an academic performance advantage
Shaffer, D. R., & Kipp, K. (2014). Infancy. In Developmental psychology: Childhood and adolescence (p. 158). Australia: Wadsworth.
Tremarche, P., Robinson, E., & Graham, L. (2007). Physical education and its effect on elementary testing results. Physical Educator, 64(2), 58-64.
Students should be influenced to engage in a school, athletic program. The time commitment has no comparison to the benefits of being involved on a sports team. The camaraderie and school pride gained is irreplaceable. The rewarding character traits that are developed in an athlete are lifelong
As a student-athlete balancing school work and athletics can be challenging. Coaches are understanding of school work, but teachers don’t always understand the value of athletics. Teachers believe that if athletics take time out of
Sports are a popular pastime among all ages and types of people. People not only participate in them for fun, but also for money, physical fitness, rush of competition, and for many other personal reasons. Playing sports is especially common among young people in schools. Athletics are great and enjoyable for many reasons, but there can be a point where sports participation can go too far and become negative for children and adults. Sports specialization for young people is an increasing trend that results in sports having a negative impact on individuals and society.
Over time and especially today, there has been a common misconception that students who participate in athletics or team sports are more likely to be less accomplished (in terms of academic success) than those students who are not and John R. Gerdy’s “Americas Failed Experiment with Elite Athletics” is a prime example of this false belief. Teachers and faculty members often devalue athletics and some even feel that it is a poor representation of such. Often time’s parents or guardians are reluctant or in opposition to allowing their children to get involved in sports because they believe it will derail their learning and/or achievement in school. The majority of those people who presume
Gould writes that “Leading youth development experts contend that one of the potential benefits of sports participation is the development of initiative or the ability to set and go after goals.” High school sports help kids to learn how to set and go after goals; an important lesson for every stage in their lives. Gould also states that the “National Federation of State High School Activity Associations indicates that [high school sports] promote ‘participation and sportsmanship’” (Are High School Sports Good For Kids?). In addition to setting and achieving goals, school sports develop participation and sportsmanship and positively build character in children. Overall, along with helping kids become more sociable, high school sports promote goal setting, participation, and sportsmanship in
With fewer parents comfortable letting their children play outside unsupervised, it's no wonder that organized youth sports are more popular than ever. But that world has changed in troubling ways.” Students should not play in competitive sports because sports aren’t cheap, they are time-consuming, injuries can occur, and children can lose interest in sports. First of all, some people say sports are cheap and if you cannot afford it there is scholarships, but
School sponsored sports have helped many kids who are less fortunate succeed in life. School sports have even allowed many athletes to get an education and make it to college from playing sports. In an article by Marv Dumon “Using sports to motivate inner-city youth” from The examiner. They explain the importance of some type of sport that is provided in order to help the inner city youth and keeping them out of trouble and on the right path. In the article Dumon writes “With a high level of unemployment and a bad economy, it is important that the youth of today are given as many opportunities as possible. Not only will it keep them off the streets and out of jail, it will also motivate them to make something of their life, rather than feeling like they are stuck with nowhere to go. One of the most popular types of motivation in the city, is sport. It draws in both males and females, and is used to focus their anger and competitive streaks, and channel it to accomplish goals and form self-confidence.” Sports in schools have provided many opportunities for
According to statistics gathered by youth sports organizations, “Up to 50 million kids play youth sports in America, and 73 percent who begin playing a sport quit before they turn 13” (Binns). The children could have quit because they did not like the disappointment of losing, or because they are exhausted from their parents pushing them too hard. But parents have their reasons for pushing their children into sports. “Studies show that kids who play sports are less likely to become obese, abuse drugs or alcohol or to perform poorly in school” (McCormick). If children are not active, then they will most likely become overweight, and if they have nothing to do in their pastime, they may turn to drugs and alcohol, which usually leads to a decrease of grades in school. A parent putting his/her child in sports gives the child something to do and keeps them fit. Parents also put their child in a sport hoping that he/she will get success out of it “Eager to nurture the next A-Rod or Michelle Kwan, parents enroll their 5- or 6-year-olds in a competitive sports league or program” (Stenson). While not all parents are pushing for future Olympians, the fight for a sports college scholarship is competitive and parents may feel that their child will have a better chance of gaining one if he/she starts competitive sports early. Parents push their children to succeed, and children--not wanting to disappoint their parents--push themselves, sometimes harder than they should. If done right, pushing a child into sports can have a positive effect on the child’s interaction with other children while teaching them commitment and healthy competition. However, focusing on winning and earning a scholarship versus having fun may backfire, because the cons...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The association between school-based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2010.
Sports programs have been an integral part of all schools. They support the academics of the school and therefore foster success in life. These programs are educational and help produce productive citizenship. They help students experience and build skills that may help them in their future, like interpersonal and time management skills. Education may kindle the light of knowledge, but sports help to maintain the proper physique. Sports are also an important means of entertainment and a use for energy after long hours of study. Sports increase a student’s performance not only in the classroom but also in their life.
In their journal article, “Using High School Football to Promote Life Skills and Student Engagement”, authors Martin Camiré and Pierre Trudel said, “sports promote and advocate for positive sportsmanship, citizenship and the total development of student athletes through interscholastic sport.” Participating in school sports programs can benefit a student, their family, and even the community they live in. Besides maintaining great health, playing sports builds characteristics students can use for the rest of their life. A student involved in sports will have a good attendance rate and an overall good grade point average. Sports also occupy a student’s time and remove him or her from drugs, alcohol, and street violence. Within sports, there is also hope for English language learners, troubled students and students in poverty.
Vince Lombardi, one of the most successful football coaches of all time, said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of will.” Although Lombardi was primarily speaking about success on the turf, he was also speaking about success in life. Aside from being a phenomenal leader on the field, Lombardi was a leader in all aspects of life and stands as a role model for many young student athletes. When student athletes apply this extraordinary will to their academics alongside athletics, the stellar character of these young adults is revealed. Unfortunately for these athletes, many people, especially educators, blame athletics for struggles within the classroom. A common controversy amongst parents, educators, coaches, and athletes is if education is severely affected by athletic participation. When the results of classroom performance aren’t proficient or greater, it is easy to blame sports because of their time consuming nature. This topic carries a lot of weight for kids ranging from middle school to graduate students because, for many, involvement in athletics is a crucial part of developing important life skills that cannot be attained through a classroom setting, and may be the student’s only method of social outreach. Sports serve as a sanctuary, an escape, a passion, and so much more to each individual involved. Athletics have the potential to negatively impact education, if you allow them to yet research shows just as many cases of sports having positive affects on education as cases of sports being detrimental towards education. The truth of the matter is that your education is your responsibility, and sports cannot be blamed for a lack of succes...
Martin, Chalmers. (2007). The Relationship Between Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness. Physical Education, Vol. 64, Issue 4, 214 – 221.