Introduction to research in biomechanics. Emphasis is on quantitative video-graphic techniques of sport and exercise activities. Other technological and bibliographic research methods and writing are covered.
Course prerequisites: KINE 323
Degree: Exercise Physiology (BS)
Elective (select KINE 324 or CHEM 350)
This course will be offered in F2F mode starting Fall ‘21. Students are expected to attend the class in-person. In COVID related cases, the class will be delivered via HyFlex classroom. Part of the class will be offered in a flipped classroom format, especially the fundamental content knowledge. The class content will be organized in fifteen-week learning modules in Blackboard Learn.
Highlight elements of your course design:
The main outcome of this class is a research project. The students design their own research question, research proposal, and collect preliminary data to complete it. This process follows a project-based learning design. Other class assignments are designed to supplement this process, such as article critiques and small group lab assignments.
Multiple active learning strategies are adapted in this class such as Think-Pair-Share, short Problem-Based Learning, and Project-Based Learning. These activities are designed to engage students to interact with the course material such as reading assignments for small group discussion. In the process of designing the research project, students have opportunities to interact with the instructor and one another to share thoughts and ideas in class and online weekly basis.
The main theme of this class is to complete a research proposal and collect preliminary data to verify the design of the methods. The proposal draft is introduced in parts for instructor and peers to provide feedback.
Other than the Blackboard Learn (LMS), students are introduced to motion analysis, force plate, and EMG systems for data collection. Through Blackboard Learn, students are engaged with reading assignments posted, discussion board for the project-based learning, and small group assignments. In class, PollEverywhere is used with the PowerPoint slides to check for student understanding of course material. The use of these technologies are combined with the active learning strategies such as Think-Pair-Share, etc.
This class has many different active learning activities to engage students’ learning. One example is Problem-Based Learning within small group setting. In Zoom breakout room, students discuss the problem and provide their solution on the Google Jamboard for further discussion.
Many of our students are currently working off campus in related areas such as PT clinics, fitness centers, etc. Students may bring questions or problems back to class and design a research project on it.
The training on Information Literacy is extremely helpful. The “Research as Inquiry” is important for this class. Of course, other frameworks are also important to this class. Since students are designing a research project to answer the question in their interests. Asking good question is a good start point and how it relates to data.