Better study ability through physical activity

Creating an active and movement-friendly culture at Turku UAS

Duration of the project

1.8.2025 – 31.7.2026

Source of funding

Ministry of Education and Culture

Total funding

113 700 €

The purpose of the AAPO project is to launch the Students on the Move activities at Turku University of Applied Sciences. The aim of the Students on the Move activities is to increase physical activity during the study day and improve the ability to study. Physical activity during the study day can be promoted through methods such as active learning approaches, incorporating breaks into lessons, and creating a learning environment that encourages movement..

On the Move programmes, funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, promote a physically active lifestyle for different age groups and demographic groups. Students on the Move activities refer to all physical activity, not just exercising. Educational institutions will develop an operating culture that supports activity and increases the opportunities for physical activity in the study community.

Project development packages

1. Teaching methods that increase activity and movement
2. Physical activity in the study environment and campus area

The project’s development packages include several different actions that will be piloted during the project. The cornerstones of the implementation are the creation of structures as well as active dialogue with the management. The aim is to integrate the actions implemented in the project into the everyday life of the higher education institution, which will make it easier to establish them as permanent activities. In order to achieve this goal, both students and staff are involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of activities.

We want to promote different areas of study ability, such as learning, sense of belonging and regulating the state of alertness.

Project objectives

• A more active operating culture will be created at Turku University of Applied Sciences and the change in the operating culture will be integrated into the entire organisation.
• The management of the higher education institution will be committed to promoting a more active operating culture.
• Activating and movement-increasing teaching methods are introduced as a natural part of lessons and their benefits are recognised.
• Turku UAS students are offered more equal opportunities to move around the campus area or its vicinity.
• The sense of community and attachment to the study community will be increased.