LSU representatives have adopted Norwegian physical fitness testing methodology
Representatives of Lithuanian Sports University (LSU) Prof. Dr. Arūnas Emeljanovas, Dr. Rasa Kreivytė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilona Tilindienė and Dr. Kristina Zaičenkovienė paid a visit to the University College of Southeast Norway. LSU lecturers went on an internship of an international project “Modernisation of Pre-school and Primary Education Content and Teachers' Professional Development through Introduction of Physical Fitness Testing Methodology”.
The aim of the project is the modernization of pre-school and primary education content and teachers’ professional development through introduction of physical fitness testing methodology in Lithuania. There are not any scientifically based instruments to test pre-school and primary school pupils’ physical fitness in Lithuania. For the development of physical fitness testing and assessment methodology, LSU representatives are going to use a set of physical fitness tests for children developed by Norwegian scientists. The methodology allows determining not only the individual components of physical fitness, but also the overall complex pupils’ physical fitness.
During the internship, the representatives of the University College of Southeast Norway Prof. Dr. Ingunn Fjørtoft and Dr. Lise Kjønniksen, who are the experts of physical fitness assessment methodology, introduced physical fitness testing methodology used in Norway, organized workshops and, together with the representatives of LSU, analysed testing and assessment procedures, as well as their adjustment to children of all ages and needs.
“In order to take over the Norwegian method, we tried it and conducted tests with the young Norwegians. It was an interesting experience, because the subjects were not only of different ages, but also cultures and races. We experienced that in order to properly use this methodology, it was necessary to consult, especially for technical things. Therefore, the training was very helpful. We also presented our university and discussed the opportunities for cooperation between our higher education institutions with the representatives of the University College of Southeast Norway. Norwegians got interested in LSU study programmes in English, especially in the programme Physical Activity and Lifestyle. Moreover, we discussed the possibility of joint research and scientific publications. Our project attracted interest from Norwegians, as we were interviewed by two local media representatives“, said project manager Prof. Dr. Arūnas Emeljanovas.
In order to evaluate the credibility of physical fitness testing and assessment methodology, the project promoters launched an investigation, during which they intend to investigate 200 pre-school and 400 primary school children’s physical fitness. Based on the research results, a training programme for pre-school and primary school teachers will be developed. LSU lecturers Brigita Miežienė and Vida Česnaitienė are going to Norway in July. Together with the experts of physical fitness assessment methodology Prof. Dr. Ingunn Fjørtoft and Dr. Lise Kjønniksen they will perform physical fitness assessment methodology validation and adaptation procedures. In July, LSU representatives will also go to the largest European international sports congress in Vienna (Austria), where they will present the research findings of the project carried out together with the Norwegians.
The project “Modernisation of Pre-school and Primary Education Content and Teachers' Professional Development through Introduction of Physical Fitness Testing Methodology” is implemented under the LT08 “EEA Scholarship Programme” and is funded by the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism. The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania is the programme operator, while a part of the operator functions is carried out by the Central Project Management Agency.
Information provided by project promoters
