Postsecondary education is all about challenging the norms and pushing boundaries. In this context, the psychology course offered by John Parkinson, a professor at Bangor University in Wales, stands out. “This professor teaches his psychology students to run a marathon” as a part of their curriculum, providing them with an unconventional yet effective learning experience.
John Parkinson: A Professor with a Difference
John Parkinson, an experienced marathoner himself, uses the world of distance running as a live laboratory. He believes that applying psychological concepts in high-stakes, real-world situations like marathons helps students internalise these theories more effectively. This unique learning approach also equips them with skills to tackle diverse challenges beyond the classroom and the race course.
The ‘Born to Run’ Course: A Unique Blend of Psychology and Running
The ‘Born to Run’ course is designed to transform non-runners into marathoners within 12 weeks. The course commences in January, with a half-marathon scheduled in the fifth week. By the end of the course, around half of the students successfully complete a full marathon.
The course isn’t confined to running alone. It could be any demanding experience that requires consistent effort and leads to a sense of achievement. However, running serves as an excellent tool for this purpose.
Academic Structure of the Course
The academic structure of the course is divided into two halves. Half of the course is devoted to psychological theory, while the other half focuses on workshops that apply these theories to running. Workshops cover aspects like creating a training plan, managing injuries, maintaining motivation, and building resilience.
Benefits of the Course: Beyond Running
The course is not just about completing a marathon. It’s about the journey towards the finish line. The students learn about behavior and behavior change, a complex topic in psychology. They also learn the value of self-talk and how it impacts performance.
The students observe significant transformations in their lives, both physically and mentally. Many students have reported significant lifestyle changes, including improved diets and sleep schedules. The most important transformation, however, is the broadening of their sense of what’s possible in life.
The Relevance of the Course in the Current Scenario
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in student engagement and their willingness to take on challenging tasks. The ‘Born to Run’ course provides a practical solution to this problem. It equips young people to face life’s challenges head-on, building resilience and learning from failure.
Should More Schools Adopt This Approach?
John Parkinson believes that more schools and universities should adopt the approach of setting real, challenging goals for students and supporting them through the journey. While running is the chosen medium at Bangor University, the underlying principle can be applied across different disciplines and activities.
As a parting note, Professor Parkinson intends to take up a new challenge himself – completing a full Ironman distance triathlon. This serves as a testament to his strong belief in setting personal goals and working consistently towards achieving them.
