Assessment, Learning & Teaching Reflections |
Friday 27 January, 2006
Involving undergraduates in research can offer important opportunities to undergraduate students to develop their research skills. The Carnegie Faculty provides the National Evaluators for the Local Exercise Action Pilots (LEAP). This work represents an important opportunity for students to learn about research realities, to develop career prospects and to network with important research funders. The figures for LEAP show its value in meeting these needs; LEAP is a £2.6 million programme jointly funded by the Department of Health, the Countryside Agency and Sport England. It is designed to develop and evaluate the most effective ways of encouraging people to meet the physical activity guidelines.
Alliances with the Countryside Agency created important opportunities for Level 3 volunteers to contribute to the Walking the Health Initiative, which involves delivering, organised walking groups, especially in West Yorkshire. In 2005 four SEPE students evaluated ‘Walkabout’, a local walking project in Calderdale PCT (it is also managed by a former student). Their results appeared in the 'Walking the Way' newsletter. Currently, three students, working with North Bradford PCT, are evaluating the ‘Footsteps Project’ for their dissertations. Here are examples of how relationships developed through funded national level research can lead to rich local learning opportunities.'
Andy Pringle
Principal Lecturer
Physical Activity, Exercise & Health.
School of Sport, Exercise & Physical Education
