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
Athletics in American schools have always been controversial for many reasons. Some of these reasons include health concerns, safety precautions, and academic significance. Daniel H. Bowen and Colin Hitt wrote an article titled, “High-School Sports Aren’t Killing Academics” to present the factors of positive correlation between success in athletics and academics. I believe that athletics in high schools not only benefit students socially, but also academically.
"The Relationship between Athletics and Academic Achievement (Bowdoin, Gender and Women's Studies)." Bowdoin College. Mar. 2009. Web. 27 July 2011.
McDevitt, T. M., & Ormrod, J. E. (2010). Child development and education. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
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
Participation in sports has proven to increase self-discipline and self-esteem, and can teach athletes to learn from their mistakes and move on (Issitt). Athletes playing team sports also develop the ability to work well with others and use teamwork in their everyday lives. Teammates form relationships that are strengthened over a common passion and goal. These relationships can last long after high school is over (Chen). These social skills translate into better communication used with an athlete’s family, peers, and in the community. Likewise, “A 2006 study in Maryland found that student athletes are 15 percent more likely than non athletes to be involved in their communities and to take the time for civic engagements, including participating in voting and volunteer activities” (Issitt). The same study also concluded that athletes are far more likely to be comfortable with public speaking than non-athletes. This study provides concrete evidence that high school sports can help to gain mental and social skills that will be used later in life
A study done in 2006 by researchers from Nationwide Children's Hospital stated, “On average, 2.44 injuries occurred for every 1,000 athletic practices or competitions at the high school level.” While this may be true, Issues & Controversies, Hannah Stohler, an athlete, states, “high school sports programs are worthwhile, despite the risk of injuries, due to the wide variety of positive effects they can have on students.” This shows that athletes believe that playing sports far outweigh the risk of getting injured. Another point that opponents could argue, is that high school sports take away time from academics due to the time commitment that sports require. For example, according to the author of “The Benefits of Participating in Sports”Alex Monica, “Sports force you to organize your time so that you can both go to practice and finish your homework. The key is finding a balance. If you can learn to organize your time then you can succeed in both.” This is an example showing how it is very possible for athletes to manage their time while participating in a after school
Athletics are more than just a fun time spending with friends; athletics go far in life and prepare young children for the future. In the article, "Kids and Team Sports: Should Parents Push Their Children to Play Sports," John McCormick says, "Learning to compete prepares a child for the demands of teenage and adult life, including the ability to cope with both success and failure."(.....) Sports are unlike anything else in the world, it is truly remarkable how beneficial sports can be on the fitness and well-being of an individual, while also preparing that individual for life in the real world outside of
Doheny, Kathleen. "Kids Who Exercise More May Get Better Grades – WebMD."WebMD. WebMD, 21 Oct. 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2013.
Sports are a crucial part of many American children and teenagers’ health and wellbeing. As a growing child or teen, it is very important to receive an ample amount of daily exercise. Many students receive this exercise through sports affiliated with their schools. Being on a sports team makes exercising more enjoyable for most children because they are able to do it with their friends rather than alone. In addition, playing on a sports team makes exercising more than just conditioning. In the world today, students are overcome with homework and their social lives, but being part of a sports team allows for students to socialize while
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.
This study asserted that, in regards to positive youth development, sports participation is dependent upon what other activities youth participate in during their out-of-school time. Participation dimension factors such as the breadth (number of activities), the intensity (quantity of time spent participating), and the duration of participation are crucial to providing a more
Sports participation is perhaps seen as a determinant in the high academic achievement of students. It can sometimes be through participation in sports that high school students are able to develop the cerebellar and cerebral part of their brains which determines the level of brain function and learning. (1) Sports are one example of activities which involves team work and specific rules to be met by each participant. It is more than just a physical activity. It can be argued that to get top marks, one needs to quit all forms of extra-curricular activities. Nonetheless, this is not always the case as the link between academic achievement and involvement in sports among secondary school students is continually being examined using experimental data and a comprehensive list of medical articles. The purpose of this essay is to review the positive relationship between academic performance and participation in school-based physical activity.
Although participating in high school athletics tends to keep student-athletes in school, leads them to participate in other extracurricular activities and makes them feel more popular than other students, it has virtually no immediate effect on academic achievement for most minority-group students. High school sports have a great impacts on students because they learn leadership skills, develop everlasting friendships, and overcome adversity numerous times(“Lifelong”).It is impossible to cover the benefits gained from sports participation without mentioning the fitness improvements achieved through training for and participating in athletic activities. Sports offer life-long lessons and friendships. Playing sports at a young age can develop
The main goals behind Sport Education are to help students become knowledgeable about different sports and activities to the point where they can participate in these outside of the classroom to stay active. Also it teaches execution and strategies and encourages competitiveness. It is important for kids to be competitive because they will have to be in life and it will teach the importance of winning and losing the right way. “Sports offer kids a great chance to work cooperatively toward a common goal. And working coope...