ERIC Number: EJ1402162
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1043-4046
EISSN: EISSN-1522-1229
Peer-Supported Physical Activity Intervention for Academic Probation Freshmen in a Physiology-Related Major: A Feasibility Study
Leary, Miriam; DiDio, Lindsay; Bonner, Daniel; Bryner, Randy; Leary, Brian K.
Advances in Physiology Education, v47 n3 p657-664 2023
To retain students on academic probation, physiology and physiology-related programs may offer a variety of academic support initiatives. This pilot research study examined the feasibility and perceptions of implementing a success coach-led physical activity (PA) program for freshmen on academic probation in a physiology-related program. Freshman on academic probation [grade point average (GPA) <2.0] worked with a success coach on academic success strategies and PA. Freshmen completed validated surveys (Academic Self-Efficacy, Self-Efficacy of Regulated Learning, Institutional Integration Scale) before and after intervention and semistructured interviews after intervention. Retention rate was determined at longitudinal follow-up in Fall 2022. Six freshmen participated. Average GPA did not improve between Fall 2021 (1.561 ± 0.285) and Spring 2022 (1.606 ± 0.832) (P = 0.89). All felt that the program improved their study skills, but fewer (40%) felt that their grades improved. Most had positive perceptions of the PA program, including self-reported improvements in health/fitness (60%), mood/mental well-being (100%), and stress management (80%). Although most improved attention when studying (80%), this did not translate to improved academic performance (40%). For the Institutional Integration Scales, only the scale for "Faculty Concern for Student Development and Teaching" improved by the end of the semester (pre: 37 ± 7.6, post: 19 ± 3.4, P < 0.001). Retention rate of participants (83%) was higher than the university's overall retention rate for students on academic probation (37%). By fostering social integration, improving mood and mental well-being, and increasing university retention rates this pilot project confirmed the feasibility of using upperclassmen as success coaches for a physical activity intervention for academic probation freshmen.
Descriptors: Physiology, Majors (Students), Health, Physical Fitness, College Freshmen, Physical Activities, Intervention, Personal Autonomy, Well Being, Coaching (Performance), Program Effectiveness, Student Attitudes, Academic Ability, Self Efficacy, Metacognition, Measures (Individuals), Followup Studies, Academic Probation, Academic Persistence, State Universities
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: West Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A