The research is lead by Dr. McNamara. All our work is guided by the methods, conceptual frameworks, and assumptions of Activity Systems, Collaborative Action Research, and Design Thinking. The database is vast and growing and new research partners are always welcome to the team. Our research output is necessary to drive change efforts. We also provide research services to schools and organizations to document existing practices, evaluate progress, explore barriers, and provide strategies for sustainable change. Below is a selection of publications, both peer reviewed and professional.
- McNamara, L. and Sahlberg, P.(2020). Kids will need recess more than ever when returning to school post-coronavirus.The Conversation Canada. May 31, 2020. 70,000 reads to date.
- McNamara, L., London, R., Ramstetter, C., Baines, E., Beresin, A., Claassen, J., Doyle, W., Hyndman, B., Jarrett, O., Massey,W., Rhea, D. (2020). School re-opening? Make sure children have time for daily recess. Global Recess Alliance.
- Lodewyk, McNamara, Sullivan. Associations between Elementary Students’ Victimization, Peer Belonging, Affect, Physical Activity, and Enjoyment by Gender During Recess. 2019 Canadian Journal of School Psychology.
- Lodewyk & McNamara. A mixed-methods study of children's recess enjoyment, affect, and preferences during recess. 2019 Journal of Teaching In Physical Education.
- McNamara & Walker "It is just too fun to explain: A qualitative analysis of The Recess Project in seven lower-socioeconomic elementary schools." 2018 Canadian Journal of Action Research.
- McNamara et al The influence of a recess intervention on children’s sense of belonging and enjoyment. 2018 Journal of Contemporary Issues in Education.
- McNamara et al Recess in elementary school: A study of belongingness, affect, and victimization on the playground. 2018 Children and Schools.
- McNamara et al Recess and children with disabilities: A mixed-method pilot study. 2018 Disability and Health Journal.
- McNamara Recess: Supporting a Culture of Meaningful Play at School (in the Cambridge Handbook of Play) 2018 Cambridge University Press.
- McNamara et al School recess, social connectedness and health: A Canadian Perspective. 2015 Health Promotion International.
- McNamara et al Tales from the playground: Transforming the context of recess through collaborative action research. 2014 International Journal of Play.
- McNamara What's getting in the way of play? An analysis of the contextual factors that hinder recess in elementary schools. 2013 Canadian Journal of Action Research.
- McNamara, Brussoni, Welsh, & Zakaria (2019). The Recess Report: Connecting School Engagement with Academic Success. The Register. Ontario Principals' Council, p. 26-31.
- Lodewyk & McNamara (in press). Victimization, Physical Activity, and Affective Outcomes During Recess in Students with and Without Disabilities. Alberta Journal of Education Research.