The effects of standing in tutorial group meetings on learning: A randomized controlled trial

•Students sat or stood in tutorial group meetings for nine weeks.•Exam grades were similar in both Sit and Stand groups.•No group differences were found for concept map performance.•Tutorial interactions had similar patterns in both groups.•Standing in tutorial group meetings does not compromise learning. Standing desks have been brought into the education environment to reduce sedentary behavior among students. The current study explored the effects of standing in tutorial group meetings on learning among undergraduate students. Ninety-six participants were randomly allocated to a Sit or Stand group, with 2 h tutorial group meetings scheduled, once or twice per week, for nine weeks. Learning was analyzed using exam grades, concept maps, and tutorial interactions. Overall, the Sit and Stand groups did not differ from each other in terms of learning, measured through their exam, concept map, and the use of learning-oriented interactions. Standing in tutorial group meetings neither enhanced nor compromised learning. Considering the health risks associated with prolonged sedentary behavior, offering standing tutorial group meetings to undergraduate students is a recommended solution to break up prolonged sedentary behavior and encourage more physical activity, while maintaining the learning performance of students.