Submit your papers Submit Now
International Peer-Reviewed Journal
For Enquiries: editor@iiardjournals.org
đź“„ Download Paper

Effects of a Steam and Physical Education Integrated Curriculum on Middle School Students’ Scholastic Well-Being

Giovanni Tafuri, Gianluca Gravino, Maria Capasso, Davide Di Palma

Abstract

The promotion of well-being in schools is becoming increasingly central. This experimental study examined the effects of an integrated curriculum combining STEAM and Physical Education on scholastic well-being in lower secondary school students. Scholastic well-being was assessed using the tool developed by Tobia and Mazzocchi (2015). A total of 120 students were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group, which took part in the integrated program, and a control group, which followed the traditional curriculum. The findings revealed a significant improvement in interpersonal relationships, academic self- esteem, and sense of belonging among students in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. These results support the effectiveness of a holistic and interdisciplinary approach—centered on STEAM and Physical Education—in enhancing students’ overall scholastic well-being.

Keywords

STEAM Physical Education Secondary School School Well-Being

References

Bailey, R., Armour, K., Kirk, D., Jess, M., Pickup, I., Sandford, R., & BERA Physical
Education and Sport Pedagogy Special Interest Group. (2009). The educational benefits
claimed for physical education and school sport: An academic review. Research Papers
in Education , 24(1), 1-27.
Beilock, S. L., & Willingham, D. T. (2010). Math anxiety: Can teachers help students reduce
it? American Educator, 34(2), 28-32.
Biino, V. (2021). CoordinataMente: il gioco coordinativo e cognitivo in bambini di etĂ  scolare.
RicercAzione , 13 (2), 169-187.
Conolly, M. (2017). Inclusive dance education: A practical guide for teachers. Journal of Dance
Education , 17(2), 47-55.
Di Ianni, R., & Pellicori, A. (2024). Classe cooperativa e apprendimento matematico
individualizzato con il piano di lavoro. Didattica della matematica. Dalla ricerca alle
pratiche d’aula , (15), 92-115.
Dyson, B., Linehan, N., & Hastie, P. (2010). The ecology of cooperative learning in physical
education: A multiple case study. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education , 29(2),
113-130.
Fedewa, A. L., & Ahn, S. (2011). The effects of physical activity and physical fitness on
children's achievement and cognitive outcomes: A meta-analysis. Research Quarterly
for Exercise and Sport , 82(3), 521-535.
Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, A. H. (2004). School engagement: Potential of the
concept, state of the evidence. Review of Educational Research , 74(1), 59-109.
Gomez Paloma, F. (2020). Il contributo pedagogico dell’Embodiment nella progettazione degli
spazi educativi e scolastici. In Progettare gli spazi educativi. Un approccio
interdisciplinare tra architettura e pedagogia (pp. 149-152). ANICIA.
Gresalfi, M., Barab, S., Siyahhan, S., & Christensen, T. (2009). Virtual worlds, conceptual
understanding, and Me: Designing for consequential engagement. On the Horizon ,
17(1), 21-34.
Johnson, C. C., Zhang, P., & Kahle, J. B. (2011). Effective professional development in science
and mathematics education: Teachers' and facilitators' views. Professional
Development in Education , 37(5), 713-731.
La Rosa, V., & Piccolo, A. L. (2020). Embodiment Cognition e Reading Body Riflessioni
educative su corpo, lettura, apprendimento. RTH –Research Trends in Humanities.
Education & Philosophy , 7 , 1-9.
Lucisano, P., & Botta, E. (2023). «Io e la scuola»: percezione di ansia e benessere degli studenti
in ambiente scolastico. Journal of Educational, Cultural and Psychological Studies
(ECPS Journal) , (28), 137-160.
Menon, S., Zanin-Yost, A., Tammaro, A. M., Conti, G., Gisbert, M. J. V., Cabassi, N., &
Longhi, E. (2021). Apprendimento basato sui giochi: il progetto NAVIGATE.
Biblioteche oggi , 39 , 48-58.
Ministero dell'Istruzione e del Merito. (2022). Indicazioni nazionali per il curricolo della scuola
secondaria di primo grado
Sgambelluri, R., & De Domenico, M. G. (2022). Il corpo che si narra: il teatro kamishibai come
“buona pratica” educativa. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR
INCLUSION , 10 (1), 134-145.
Tobia, V., & Mazzocchi, T. (2015). Il benessere scolastico: Uno strumento di rilevazione per
la scuola secondaria di primo grado. Psicologia Scolastica , 14(2), 97-110.
Tomporowski, P. D., Davis, C. L., Miller, P. H., & Naglieri, J. A. (2008). Exercise and
children's intelligence, cognition, and academic achievement. Educational Psychology
Review , 20(2), 111-131.