Evidence Based Practice and Policy ReportsA Structured Pee.docxturveycharlyn
Evidence Based Practice and Policy Reports
A Structured Peer-Mentoring Method for
Physical Activity Behavior Change Among
Adolescents
Laureen H. Smith, PhD, RN1, and Rick L. Petosa, PhD2
Abstract
Despite national guidelines for regular physical activity, most adolescents are not physically active. Schools serve an estimated
60 million youth and provide an educational environment to meet the current physical activity guidelines. The obesity epidemic
and chronic disease comorbidities associated with physical inactivity are not likely to be reversed without a strong contri-
bution from local schools. This article describes how a structured peer-mentoring method provides a feasible, flexible, and
tailored means to meet the current guidelines for best practice in a school setting. Structured peer mentoring using trained
high school mentors to support behavior change in younger peers is an innovative method to meeting the School Health
Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity. Through structured peer mentoring, adolescents are provided con-
sistent social support in a caring and personalized manner. This support builds skills and competencies enhancing self-efficacy
to sustain a lifetime of physical activity behavior.
Keywords
exercise, mentoring, obesity, best practices/practice guidelines, health education, school nursing
Despite national guidelines for regular physical activity,
most adolescents are not physically active (Centers for Dis-
ease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011). Current guide-
lines and scientific evidence for best practices to prevent
obesity and obesity comorbidities such as heart disease, can-
cers, and diabetes recommend at least 60 min of moderate to
vigorous daily physical activity (CDC, 2011; Institute of
Medicine, 2012). A review of 50 studies focused on youth
concluded that regular physical activity improves academic
achievement, academic behavior, and cognitive skills
including concentration and memory (CDC, 2010). Despite
these health and academic benefits, recent data suggest that
only 27% of high school students reported 60 min of daily
physical activity every day during the past week, while 14%
reported no physical activity in the past week, and less than
half (48%) of high school students attend any physical edu-
cation classes in the average week (CDC, 2010, 2013).
These data indicate that most adolescents are not meeting
the recommended daily physical activity guidelines. With
one in three school-aged youth currently overweight or
obese (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2014), obesity preven-
tion through improving physical activity is a top priority
(American Academy of Pediatrics, 2006; U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2008).
Schools serve an estimated 60 million youth and provide
a critical setting to build the foundation of skills needed to
help youth meet the current physical activity guidelines
(U.S. Department of Education, National Cen.
1. Valerie Cholet MEd
802 Madison Street
Birdsboro, Pa. 19508
484-824-2168
val108@ptd.net
OBJECTIVE: Support graduate and undergraduate education in terms of teaching methodology, classroom
management and curriculum content.
Increase awareness of healthy lifestyle strategies by educating individuals in the areas of health
and wellness, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Education
The Pennsylvania State University: (Expected completion Spring 2018)
Doctorate, Adult Education – ABD
Research interests: Embodied learning for meaning making in adults
Feminist critique of kinesthetic learning and physical activity
Meaning making through non-traditional forms of exercise.
Using healthy behavior strategies to support exercise adherence
Applications: Research in ontological relevance of embodied learning and feminist theory
Establishing significance of kinesthetic meaning making in education
Fostering diverse classroom practice in undergraduate and graduate students
Arcadia University
Master of Education, Elementary Education
The Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Sport Science
Minor in Business
Dean's List
Academic Positions
Lecturer: The Pennsylvania State University, Berks 8/02 to present
Instructor in the Department of Health and Human Development
Kinesiology and Education
Coordinator, Part-time Faculty:
Mentoring all adjunct faculty
Manage budget and allocation of funds to support part-time faculty
Develop professional development programs for part-time faculty
Recruit, train, and retain part-time faculty
Coordinate summer scheduling
Instructor: Eastern University 1/00 to 5/01
Instructor in the Dept. of Health and Exercise Science
Educated students in the areas of Health Promotion, History of Sport, and Sport Mgmt.
Instructor: Montgomery County Community College 6/98 to 1/00
Instructor of Health and Physical Education in the Dept. of Allied Health and Phys. Ed.
Teacher: Ancillae Assumpta Academy 8/96 - 5/97
Presented fully integrated lessons using a hands-on approach which included
2. varied learning strategies.
Worked collaboratively in a team approach to effectively involve students of a
heterogeneous population, using enrichment and specialized assistance to create a
positive, engaging learning environment.
Conference Papers and Presentations
2016 NAKHE CONFERENCE: San Diego, CA Interdisciplinary research in Kinesiology and Adult
Education: A Paradign for stewardship of Kinesiology in Higher Education. Jan. 2016
AAACE 63rd
Annual Conference, Charleston, SC: Martial Arts and Lifelong Learning Nov. 2014
Professional Development School National Conference "Social Studies After School: How Yoga And
Taekwondo Enriched The Learning Experiences Of Third Graders And Preservice Teachers,"
University of South Carolina, Las Vegas, NV, Presentations. 2014
AAPHERD Eastern District Annual Conference Newport, RI: Using Physical and Health Education for
Teaching General Curriculum 2014
NAKHE San Diego Collaborative Congress :
Taking Curriculum Standards Outside the Classroom 2014
AAACE 62nd
Annual Conference Lexington, KY: Windows into cross-discipline research 2013
National Council for the Social Studies :92nd
Annual Conference, Seattle, WA. Teaching Elementary
Social Studies through Yoga and Tae Kwon Do 2012
Experience
Instructor: Karate for Kids, Exeter, PA 2011-2013
Engage students of all ages in classes in Taekwondo
Personal Trainer: (Independent contractor) Gold’s Gym 2009
Supporting symptomatic and asymptomatic adults in developing and adhering to
healthy lifestyle programming.
Individualized exercise programs
Nutrition and Exercise consultation
Researcher: Prevention Magazine/Rodale Press 7/98 to 10/00
Reviewed health related articles to ensure the accuracy of the information
provided
Assessed and edited various columns/book chapters for accuracy prior to publication.
Examined scientific periodicals for additional sources of health related data.
Exercise Physiologist: Abington Memorial Hospital: 5/91 - 8/96
Presented educational lectures and seminars on principles of health and exercise
Designed a lesson plan for Healthy Lifestyles educational program for the
Abington Memorial Hospital employees
Presented educational seminars for developmentally disabled students
Delivered health screening through Blood pressure and Cholesterol testing clinics