Buzz
Standing desks could soon become a common sight in elementary schools. Research involving 282 students in grades 2 through 4, published in the International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, suggests that allowing students to stand at their desks may improve their attention during lessons.
The study provided students with elevated desks and stools, enabling them to stand or sit as needed. Engagement levels were measured by observing behaviors such as active participation in discussions, answering questions, and raising hands, compared to off-task actions like speaking out of turn.
Mark Benden, the study's lead author and an associate professor of environmental and occupational health at Texas A&M University, initially explored standing desks to combat childhood obesity, which has more than doubled in the past three decades. While the study confirmed that students burned more calories using these desks, it also revealed a 12% increase in engagement compared to traditional seated desks, equating to roughly 7 additional minutes of focus per hour.
"Standing workstations minimize disruptive behaviors and boost students' attention by offering an alternative to seated tasks, breaking the monotony of sitting," Benden explained in a press statement.
Research indicates that walking enhances cognitive function and stimulates creativity. Physical activity, in general, has been linked to better memory retention. In educational settings, recess plays a crucial role in improving children's focus, with studies showing that kids are more productive and less restless on days when they have recess.
Despite this, many schools today limit opportunities for movement. For instance, Chicago Public Schools reintroduced recess in 2012 after a 30-year absence. Similarly, Florida parents recently protested against schools eliminating recess to prioritize additional instructional time, partly due to demands from the Common Core curriculum.
Allowing students to stand during class could provide them with slightly more freedom to move throughout the day. (Though, honestly, schools should prioritize bringing back recess.)
