Unit rationale, description and aim
In prescribing and delivering an exercise or health program, the use of best-practice behavioural strategies that align with the unique needs of the client is essential for effective practice. This is consistent with the professional standards of many accreditation bodies, including those for Exercise Science. This unit aims to provide students with concrete, evidence-based skills and strategies for promoting behaviour change in health and exercise. These include theory and research-driven interventions for promoting motivation for change, and for promoting commitment to healthier lifestyles.
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.
Define and explain the key psychological factors a...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically analyse and apply psychological interve...
Learning Outcome 02
Define and demonstrate basic communication skills ...
Learning Outcome 03
Analyse the basic features of evidence-based resea...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Foundations of health and exercise psychology
- Theories and models of human motivation
- Theories and models of health and exercise behaviour
- Antecedents and consequences of health and exercise
- Initiating and maintaining behaviour change
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to best enable students to achieve unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes, standards-based assessment is utilised, consistent with University assessment requirements. The first assessment task enables students to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in an initial consultation with a client (LO2, LO3, LO4). The second assessment enables students to demonstrate knowledge and application of behaviour change theory and research (LO1, LO2, LO4). The third assessment task develops the ability for students to understand and apply theories and research in health and exercise psychology through a multiple-choice examination (LO1, LO2, LO4). Intensive and multi-mode assessment of EXSC296 will be transparently equitable with on campus mode offerings as endorsed by the School Implementation Committee
Overview of assessments
1. Interpersonsal Skills Task Requires students ...
1. Interpersonsal Skills Task
Requires students to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in an initial consultation with a client.
30%
2. Behaviour Change Task Enables students to demo...
2. Behaviour Change Task
Enables students to demonstrate knowledge and application of behaviour change theory and research
30%
3. Final Examination Develops the ability for st...
3. Final Examination
Develops the ability for students to understand and apply theories and research in health and exercise psychology through a multiple-choice examination
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit fosters student-centred active learning and accommodates diverse student needs. It includes a combination of self-paced, online learning and real-time classes. Early and additional feedback on learning, and tailored support, are provided to facilitate students’ transition to university. Learning and teaching strategies include active learning, case-based learning, individual and group activities, cooperative learning, project work, web-based learning, and reflective/critical thinking activities, delivered over 12 weeks. These strategies will provide students with access to required knowledge and understanding of unit content, and opportunities for application of this learning in health and exercise contexts. These strategies will allow students to meet the aim, learning outcomes and graduate attributes of the unit, as well as professional practice standards. Learning and teaching strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within group activities.
This unit may also be offered on or off campus in intensive mode or multi-mode for sponsored / special cohorts, with the learning and teaching strategies being equitable with on campus mode offerings as endorsed by the School Curriculum Implementation Committee.