Math + bikes = success

Bethany Lambeth ’10, a math teacher at Martin Middle School in Raleigh, North Carolina, noticed her students were restless. For 7th- and 8th-graders, there is little opportunity to release pent-up energy during the day. As a result, a significant portion of a teacher’s time in class is spent redirecting disruptive behavior. What could she do about it?

 “Messiah taught me to think deeper, dig deeper and figure out the root of a problem,” said Lambeth, who majored in elementary and special education.

Students needed a way to expend some energy. Last year, Lambeth learned about a new device that was being installed in classrooms and workplaces to increase productivity and focus—DeskCycles. Similar to a stationary exercise bike, it allows students to pedal while sitting at their desks. She knew it was a solution, but how could she afford one for every desk?

She got creative. She applied for a county grant that supports teachers who incorporate creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking into their classrooms. Since installing the cycles, she has seen a positive impact on academics and behavior.

“I have noticed an increase in the quality and quantity of the student work,” said Lambeth. “I noticed a 50 percent decrease in the amount of missing work for my struggling students.”

Students look forward to coming to Lambeth’s classroom, the only place where they can use the cycles.

I’m not spending as much time redirecting their behavior, because it’s being met in a different way,” said Lambeth.

There’s also the added incentive of positive future behavior. Students know they must get their work done if they want to continue using the cycles.

“I would recommend this to other schools, hands down,” said Lambeth. “Some days, the students come in with a lot of energy, stressed or frustrated and they know that spending a period pedaling will help them out.”

—Gabrielle Kurtz ’18