Dr. Bartholomew will explore how the school environment can be a powerful setting for increasing physical activity among children, particularly during times they are usually sedentary—such as in general education classrooms. Drawing on research in behavioral science and educational systems, the talk will focus on strategies that influence physical activity by targeting school leaders and teachers, rather than students directly.
The presentation will highlight how:
- classroom-based interventions may be more impactful than changes to PE or recess,
- a hierarchical model of behavior change positions educators as key agents in shaping student activity, and
- motivational strategies must address the unique challenge of engaging individuals (teachers, administrators) who don’t directly benefit from the behavior change.
There will also be opportunities to discuss future research directions at Penn State and explore potential for collaboration.
About the Speaker
John Bartholomew is Professor and Head of the Department of Kinesiology, which he joined in 2024. Prior to that he spent 28 years at The University of Texas at Austin as Department Chair and Associate Dean. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Exercise Science from Arizona State University. His research centers on the promotion of physical activity, with a focus on the elementary school setting. He and his wife Pam have two, grown daughters who they have yet to convince to relocate to PA from Texas. They enjoy Penn State sports – especially Women’s Volleyball – and being outdoors.
