Unit rationale, description and aim
In prescribing and delivering an exercise or sport program, the use of evidence-based behavioural strategies that align with the unique needs of the client or athlete is essential for effective practice. This is consistent with the professional standards of many accreditation bodies, including those for Exercise Science.
Students will be provided with concrete, evidence-based skills and strategies for promoting behaviour change in exercise and sport.
The aim of this unit is to provide students with the theory and research-driven interventions so that they can promote motivation for change and promote a commitment to healthier lifestyles and improved wellbeing for their clients.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Apply behaviour change theories to motivate indivi...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically analyse evidence-based behaviour change...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply evidence-based behaviour change strategies t...
Learning Outcome 03
Explain potential challenges wellbeing and perform...
Learning Outcome 04
Demonstrate interpersonal skills and motivational ...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Theories of behaviour change (e.g., Trans-theoretical Models and Self Determination Theory) related to sport and exercise
- Communications skills for client/athlete-practitioner interactions
- Motivational interviewing for behaviour change
- Evidence-based behaviour change strategies for exercise adherence
- Mental health literacy in a sport or exercise setting
- Basic mental skills for sport performance
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to best enable students to achieve unit learning outcomes and develop graduate capabilities standards-based assessment is utilised, consistent with University assessment requirements. The first assessment task requires students to demonstrate knowledge of sport performance and wellbeing. The second assessment task will focus on case studies in sport and exercise and will require students to demonstrate knowledge and application of behaviour change theory in sport and exercise and demonstrate how they would communicate with the client/athlete. This assessment and associated feedback will assist in the preparation and completion of assessment task three, which is in-person and allows students to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in an initial consultation with a client.
Overview of assessments
To successfully pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and achieve a minimum overall mark of 50% in the assessment tasks.
Assessment Task 1: Quiz Assesses knowledge of s...
Assessment Task 1: Quiz
Assesses knowledge of sport performance and wellbeing
20%
Assessment Task 2: Written Assesses knowledge an...
Assessment Task 2: Written
Assesses knowledge and application of behaviour change theory in sport and exercise and how students communicate with the clients/athletes
40%
Assessment Task 3: Oral Assessment Oral assessm...
Assessment Task 3: Oral Assessment
Oral assessment of effective interpersonal skills
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
EXSC249 uses an active learning strategy to develop students' knowledge of behaviour change theories in an exercise context and explore how to motivate athletes for optimal performance and wellbeing. This is achieved through 150 hours of focused learning that incorporates a blended mode of delivery with self-directed online learning and learner-centred tutorials. Using a flipped classroom model, students are encouraged to drive their own learning and engage with the online learning materials including short lecture videos and a variety of engaging activities designed to help them better understand the material and to help prepare for the assessments. Learning and teaching methods include active learning, case-based learning, individual and group activities, cooperative learning, simulation, and reflective/critical thinking activities. These methods will provide students with access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content, and opportunities for application of this learning in sport and exercise contexts. These methods also allow students to meet the aims, learning outcomes and graduate attributes of the unit, as well as professional practice standards.
EXSC249 may be offered as an intensive for special cohorts, with the learning and teaching strategies being equitable as endorsed by the School CMC.