Page 1
© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA
Active Learning Specialist Course Evidence-based help for teachers to educate students more effectively
Program
Description
Fizika Active Learning is an evidence-
based approach that helps educators
achieve physical literacy through the
learning process, to improve academic
and health outcomes.
The Fizika Active Learning Program is
informed by a growing body of
scientific research that a properly- designed, collaborative initiative can positively impact student academic
performance, motivate students to be more physically active and help students with special needs reach a
higher level of their potential.
Fizika Active Learning is based on the latest research and best practices in educational neuroscience,
cognitive psychology and physical literacy, supported by real-life results in schools and programs across the
country and around the world.
The centerpiece of Fizika’s product offering is the Active Learning Specialist course, an online graduate level
course that teachers the science, methodologies, and leadership tools needed to apply the principles of using
the body to help the mind learn effectively. The course is especially helpful for teachers and administrators,
but can be applied in a corporate setting as well.
Currently available through Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg, PA USA, the
course has attracted a global audience of practitioners – from a physical educator in Vietnam, to a sports
specialist in the UK. Their testimonials speak to the comprehensive nature of the ALS course – as both a
practical introduction to the neuroscience linking physical activity with brain development and cognition –
and as a guide to the leadership tools needed to create and drive positive change.
“We think too much about effective
methods of teaching and not enough
about effective methods of learning.”
John Carolus, S.J.
1
Page 2
© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA 2
Online Certificate Course
● Designed for practitioners; provides skills and knowledge to create an Active Learning Plan
● Applies best practices and research from the fields of education, health and physical science
● Subject matter experts and instructors provide feedback to guide development of your plan
● Presents evidence-based techniques for leading organizational change and team building
● Work through the course at your own pace; estimated time to complete: 40 – 60 hours
● Earn CEU or graduate credit to advance your career
Page 3
© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA 3
Active Learning Specialist Course
Executive Summary
Fizika’s approach to Active Learning is unique: a synthesis of the latest research on how our brains learn,
coupled with leadership and team development, to ensure systemic change in the learning environment.
The course is based on the following fundamental disciplines:
● Physical Literacy: Originally authored by Dr. Margaret Whitehead in 1991,
physical literacy emphasizes the importance of fundamental movement skills
and their role in helping young people acquire the competence and desire to
be physically active for life. Fizika’s founders, Martha Lester Harris, MPA
and Michael Cordier, HED are active members of the newly formed Interna-
"My future principal
asked me to find re-
search on why PE is
important. I sent an
email to the principal
that outlined all the
reasons why students
need quality physical
education every day –
preferably in the morn-
ing. It was really cool
because everything
I've been doing has led
to this kind of advo-
cacy. The ideas I've
been developing with
your help through this
course are now more
important than they
were when I started
this course!”
● Educational Neuroscience: Emerging field in neuroscience to understand how
learning is optimized through brain pathways, chemistry in the brain, and the
impact of physical movement on brain development.
● Cognitive Psychology: Learning preferences and delivery mechanisms for
optimal knowledge transfer and application.
● Best Practices: Examples of application of certain portions of the core pillars of
Active Learning in a variety of school settings and the associated results.
Active Learning Specialists tailor interventions to a specific learning need or
group of students. The Active Learning Specialist forms a group of stakeholders
to assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of the
intervention (Active Learning Plan). The Active Learning Specialist works
collaboratively with an Active Learning Team to:
● Define the roles of each person on the team
● Assign responsibilities and milestones
● Identify the needs to be addressed by active learning interventions.
● Demonstrate how the Active Learning Plan will enhance student engagement
● Provide training to team members to understand research and best practices
● Communicate internally to stakeholders and externally to community
● Continuously record improvements (outcomes ); allow for plan adjustments
Darrell Haines Active Learning Specialist, American International
School, Vietnam
Page 4
© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA 4
The techniques taught in the ALS course have produced positive outcomes in learning and classroom
behavior of students. The ALS course is designed to help teachers modify their instructional practices on a
student-by-student basis.
The need for Fizika Active Learning was highlighted by the Institute of Medicine in its May 2013 report:
“Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School” (www.iom.edu).
The report pinpoints the need to expand access to quality physical education in all
50 states and provide opportunities for physical activity that enable students to be
active for 60 minutes a day. Specifically, the IOM report calls for “more professional
development for teachers and pre-service teachers to learn how to infuse physical
activity across the curriculum,” a focal point of the Active Learning Specialist
Course.
“Every step of bringing
Active Learning into
my classroom was
covered in strong
detail by way of
interactive, viewer
friendly slides based
heavily in the latest
research. I took the
course hoping to find
some direction as I
sought to bring brain
breaks to my
classroom teachers,
and I leave with a fully
intact plan of doing
just that. This proved
to be a great profes-
sional development
tool that I will continue
to use throughout my
career."
For more information on the IOM study, download an infographics and view a
video that illustrates the findings of the Report, go to www.iom.edu/
studentbody.
With its focus on improving physical literacy, the Active Learning Specialist
Course can help physical educators incorporate the new national physical
education standards and learning outcomes. The goal of the new physical
education standards is to foster the development of physically literate adults
who know how to maintain physical health across their lifespan.
Active Learning Specialists are trained to work collaboratively to reinforce
health and physical literacy across the curriculum. Mike Humphreys Active Learning Specialist,
Arlington (VA)
Public Schools
Page 5
© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA 5
Robert Fulton
Elementary Adopted Fizika’s approach
to active learning in 2013
Principal Dr. Jill C. Martin invited
three members of her staff to take
the Active Learning Specialist
Course during the first session
offered by Harrisburg University of
Science & Technology in July 2013.
A parent educator, classroom teacher and special
education teacher formed the nucleus of Fulton's
Active Learning Team.
The school received a Healthy Champions grant
from the General Mills Foundation which made it
possible for all Fulton staff members to be trained
by Fizika Group in basic educational neurosci-
ence, health and physical literacy concepts.
Fifteen minutes of physical activity was added to
the school day: Healthy and Active Learning at Fulton
(HALFTime) enabled classroom teachers to bring the
benefits of healthy eating and physical activity to their
students through fun, engaging products like FitBits
(from the Michigan Fitness Foundation) and Sqord
accelerometers to motivate upper class students to be more active.
“Fizika active learning provides the common denominator so that all
students can participate fully in the learning process.”
Dr. Jill C. Martin, Principal
Case Study Lancaster, PA
Results: Fulton Healthy & Active Learners
· H.A.L.F. time: extra 15 minutes for daily physical activity
· Fizika trained all teachers, aides, counselors
· New teacher evaluation measures physical activity
· Students, teachers exercise & learn about good nutrition
· Behavioral incidents reduced - staff morale improved
Page 6
© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA 6
“Having taught PE for over 20 years I was well aware of
the connection between improved academic success and
physical activity. My school was designated a Specialist
Sports College in 2001 and it was no coincidence that
when we introduced PE and Sport as our main focus
grades sky rocketed in other subjects.
“Fizika’s Active Learning Specialist course has physical
literacy at it is core – it helps you (as a teacher) to under-
stand the theory behind the practice and makes you re-
flect upon your pedagogy and how you can implement
interventions that will help your pupils to succeed. I
found the course challenging to my thinking and infor-
mative in the way that I could further develop a team of
individuals who would move pupil progress forward.
“The resources are an excellent introduction to the pro-
gram but the content will drive you forward to improve
your practice and to see where you can make the differ-
ence and narrow the gap between your students’ cur-
rent attainment and their target grade. Pupil progress is
the major indicator of your success as a teacher and the
Fizika Active Learning Specialist will help you to make
the most of the interventions that you put in place to
make this better and more enjoyable for both yourself
and your students.
“I would unreservedly recommend this course to any-
one who wants to make a difference.”
Comments from Course Participants
John Douglas
Active Learning Specialist,
Head of PE,
John Spence
Community High School-
A Specialist Sports College-
North Shields, Tyne & Wear,
United Kingdom
Page 7
© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA 7
Commentary—Leslie Arnold
Active Learning Specialist, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences:
"When I began this course, I would have never expected to launch a formal
study in higher education. I look forward to implementing my active learning
study to determine how active learning will help students dedicate their energy
to completing quality academic work. This should result in students earning no
less than the required grade for the course, according to their major, and/or
earning a grade reflective of above average performance."
More comments from course participants
“This course was helpful to me as a new teacher and site supervisor of an after
school program. I often reflect on the lesson about leadership. I apply a lot of
those ideas to my job to get support from families and staff. I am more aware of
when my kindergarteners need a ‘brain break.’ We do several a day and the
students love them. “
“The Active Learning and Pedagogy lesson was valuable because program di-
rectors and parents always want to know the value of your program. It is bene-
ficial to have brain-based research to show the importance of Active Learning.
The research linking physical activity and learning helps to persuade people to
support the program.”
“I used this class as a review for my teaching style. I always want my students
moving since I am the PE teacher. So it was a good refresher for me to incorpo-
rate movement into my health classes since I am able to use the gym this year.”
Page 8
© All Rights Reserved, Fizika Group, LLC 2014 www.fizikagroup.com (339) 2-FIZIKA 8
The Active Learning Specialist Course was developed by Fizika Group LLC in partnership with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
To enroll in the Active Learning Specialist Course, go to:
https://professionaled.harrisburgu.edu/active-learning
Active Learning Specialist Course
2014-15 Schedule
FALL 2014 COURSE
Start Date 10/1 – End Date: 12/20/14
Enrollment opens 8/5/14
WINTER 2015 COURSE
Start Date: 1/20/15 – End Date 3/14/15
Enrollment opens 12/14/14
SPRING 2015 COURSE
Start date: 4/7 - End date: 6/13/15
Enrollment opens 3/16/2015
SUMMER 2015 COURSE
Start date: 7/1 - End date: 9/19/15
Enrollment opens 6/15/15
TUITION
(Effective September 2014)
$495 for Continuing Education Unit (CEU)/Act 48 Credit
$625 for 1 Graduate Credit
Discounts available for professional association members and
three or more participants from same school or organization.
Contact Fizika Group to see if you qualify for discounted tuition.