ADSBTwo teams of students presented their projects at the Algoma District School Board Committee of the Whole this past week. The groups attended a conference in Toronto as part of the Students as Researchers initiative. Each of the 38 teams of students in Toronto was given 40 minutes to present their research process and findings in answering the overall question of ‘What does student well-being look like to you?’ One of those groups represented Northern Heights school, where four of the five participants attempted to answer the question of ‘Can we make active minds through active bodies?’ Board Wellness Special Assignment Co-Ordinator Davey Taylor talks about what was done and what resulted from their research…

Brain breaks consist of individual 3 to 7 minute videos, that encourage exercise in the classroom through stretching, strength and endurance. The actual numbers reflected a very high rate of success, with between an 80 to 95 percent satisfaction rate from both students and teachers. Those figures included a majority of those surveyed who like the ‘Brain Breaks’ to continue. The Superior Heights project tackled a question concerning a student’s willingness to participate and be successful in a school environment. Taylor says that the difference in the elementary and secondary methods in research are well-defined…

The results from the Superior Heights research not only had basic survey numbers and figures, but it hinted to dig deeper to determine the type of personality of the students that participated. It determined characteristics of active and inactive students, along with the confidence level and what relationships were strongest in those groups in finding the reasons for their participation in school activities. Taylor says some of that research — particularly that from the Superior Heights group on social participation in high school — could be a precursor for future projects…

When asked about what to expect for next year, Taylor would only add that he is looking forward to more of the same effort from students when the Students As Researchers initiative resumes.