Sara Al-Qahtani

Aiya Al-Jundi

Offering Kinesiology course at TAMUQ

Usability test
English 210
30 June 2016
Dr.Mysti
Major Project #4

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Background
Kinesiology classes at TAMUQ were offered from 2003 to 2014. These
courses consist of two parts, lecture and physical training. In order to
graduate, all TAMUQ students must enroll in these courses. This course is no
longer offered. We asked the dean assistant for academic and student
services Dr. Troy Bickham. He answered that the reason behind cancelling
these courses was the changes in the core curriculum of State of Texas. The
physical education was no longer a requirement for college students.
Moreover, according to Qatar foundation regulation, TAMUQ are limited to
have 80 professors. Cancelling these courses means we have two more
professors engineering courses

Introduction
The reason behind cancelling the kinesiology courses was not convincing to
us. We believe that students must have the option to enroll in such classes or
not. Physical education is not less important than engineering courses to us.
We want to get the students feedback whether they want to get these course
back or not. In order to do so, we performed a study on seniors and juniors at
TAMUQ from both gender to analyze whether students want these type of
courses back or not. One of the major reason behind our motivation towards
this topic was the solutions we got from Dr. Troy. He said if there is a passion
toward these courses from students, he will try to get local coaches or share
coaches from nearby universities with less cost. Moreover, exercise reduce
stress and improve student mood. As Physical activity stimulates various
brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed (Mayo
clinic, 2014).

Methodology
To conduct the study, two methods were used. Survey via email and
Interview with two current students who already took these classes in 2013
and 2014 (see Appendix B). To get their feedback since they have fresh
memory about these kinesiology courses. The two students were chosen
randomly from upperclassmen. We wrote down their feedback and asked
them few questions to analyze the gathered data (see appendix A). We
interview student 1, current junior electrical student at TAMUQ. And
student 2, current senior petroleum student at TAMUQ. The survey was
sent by email to all upperclassmen students with the help of Dr. Rudd. We
received 50 responds within 24 hours.

Results and Analysis

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Fig.1 Kinesiology classes affected positively the way I exercise

According
to the survey results, almost 74% agreed that kinesiology classes affected
positively the way they exercise. As you can see in Fig.1 which is a strong
point to consider. As we interviewed student 1, she said I didnt know how
to use the gym equipment in the correct way before taking this class. This
shows that this course provides the basic knowledge about how to exercise
correctly and use the right equipment. As we know, if we exercise in the
wrong way, exercise can hurt and cause major problems to the human body
(Hsin, 2014).
Almost 70% of TAMUQ upperclassmen students dont exercise at all,
according to the survey results. The reason behind that can be the lack of
motivation or time. As student 1 said, For now I do not exercise even for a
minute. But before I was doing daily exercise so that I can be flexible on the
class and move with the students. Their reasons were that they did not
have enough time to exercise due to their busy schedule. Having kinesiology
courses will encourage them to excursive because they will have these
classes I their schedule among their other classes so there is no reason to
say no time, it is on their schedule! Probably they might not realize the
importance of fitness and physical activities. Fig.2 has the students
responses to this statement.

The lecture part of this class introduce type of diseases and food disorders. It
discussed the main effect and symptoms. Kinesiology courses provide the
basic knowledge of health and wellness. As we interviewed student 2, said
I learnt the detailed education about STD, heart problems, different types of
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Fig.2 Kinesiology classes motivate me to exercise

strokes and learning new sports which is ultimate Frisbee. According to that
we can conclude that this course can introduce new sports to the student
and teach them simple moves of exercise that they can do it in front of
computer and without using gym equipment. Although these moves are
simple, it can impact students significantly by circulating the blood through
their bodies. This makes the blood reach the brain faster which makes them
smarter (Taylor, 2012).
One of the most important survey questions was about offering kinesiology
class again and whether the students would enroll again. The result shows
variation in responses. Approximately 50% strongly agreed to take it again
which is a significant number. On the other hand almost 12% disagreed to
enroll. The reasons behind that were obtained from the comments and
interview questions. The first one was the grading system, student found it
unfair and so strict for a students who almost have this type of class for the
first time in his/her life. But I can say that this depends on the instructor and
can be fixed with some regulations. One of the survey responses was its
important to be offered but the grading system needs to be fixed and be
more flexible. The second reason might be the lecture part of the course.
Some students found it hard and intense. So when they have a bad grade it
will definitely affect their GPA. Fig.3 below shows the results.

Fig.3 if Kinesiology classes were offered again will you enroll?

Conclusion
Ultimately, resaving 50 responses with less then 24 hours from juniors and
seniors only, made us realize how they interested in the topic and care about
it. Actually all of us have to care because we are part of this community.
Working on a study that you know have solutions will make you more
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motivated to complete the study. As mentioned above, Dr. Troy interview

motivated us to even work harder. We want to get as much as possible signs
on the online petition. Our plan in the future, is to send the online petition to
all the students at TAMUQ during fall 2016 to gather signs. The signs will be
presented to Dr.Troy for further progress if possible. Our aim is to get a local
coach for Kinesiology classes and make the students have the option to
whether enroll or not.

Appendix A
Interview Questions
1 What was the main advantage you gained from taking kinesiology
classes?
2 If the kinesiology class were offered again, would you take it?
3 Did your kinesiology class motivate you to exercise outside of the class
time?
4 What was the main disadvantage of taking the class?
5 Do you believe that taking a kinesiology class helped in improving your
academic performance? If yes, how?
6 How often do you exercise per week in general?
7 Are you familiar with the basic way to use gym equipment? If yes,
where did you learn that?
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Appendix B
Survey Questions
Kinesiology classes at TAMUQ.
1 Kinesiology course affected positively the way I exercise?
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral disagree
strongly disagree
2 How often you exercise weekly? _______
3 Kinesiology class motivate me to exercise?
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral disagree

strongly disagree

4 If this course offered again, will you take it?

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral disagree

strongly disagree

5 When I exercise I perform better in my exams

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral disagree

strongly disagree

Thank you for your time

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References

Taylor, J, (2012). 5 Reasons College students should Make Time for

Exercise. Retrieved June 29,2016, from
http://www.aiuniv.edu/blog/september-2012/5-reasons-collegestudents-should-make-time-for-exercise?siteid=desktop-control
Hsin, C. et, (2014). Fitness. Retrieved June 29, 2016, from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

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