Student On-task Behavior Research Articles

A Comparison of In-Vivo and Videoconference Momentary Time Sampling Observations of On-Task Behavior

Systematic direct observation (SDO) is frequently used in schools to document student response to evidence-based interventions, determine eligibility for special education services, and provide objective data during high-stakes decisions. However, there are several limitations associated with this widely used data collection tool including a shortage of service providers available to implement it and the significant travel time required for itinerant personnel. Using videoconferencing (VC) software to aid in the implementation of SDO is an intuitive application of technology that stands to increase the feasibility and efficiency with which SDO can be utilized in research and practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and equivalence of the results generated from two modes of SDO, traditional in-vivo SDO and SDO conducted through VC software. The results suggest that VC SDO produces estimates of student on-task behavior that are practically equivalent (i.e., ±3%) to estimates generated through traditional SDO. Furthermore, two frequently used reliability indices indicate that VC SDO results are adequately reliable against traditional in-vivo SDO. Implications for school-based practice are discussed.

Effects of Differential Consequences on Choice Making in Students at Risk for Academic Failure.

Problem behavior can be reduced through choice making and use of preferred instructional activities. However, the opportunity to choose does not imply students are more engaged with instructional activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of differential consequences on the on-task behavior of students within the context of teacher versus student selection of instructional activities. Students were exposed to two contingencies (i.e., escape + differential attention vs. escape + physical proximity) across two stimulus events (i.e., teacher vs. student choice of preferred instructional activities) using an alternating-treatments design within an A-B-A-B design. Choice of instructional activities increased on-task behavior during student-choice conditions compared to the teacher-choice conditions, but only when differential attention was provided. Differential attention was also more effective than physical proximity at increasing on-task behavior. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Improving Student Behavior in Art Classrooms: An Exploratory Study of CW-FIT Tier 1

Disruptive student behavior, a common concern for teachers, presents particular challenges for those who teach art. Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams (CW-FIT) is a multitiered intervention for implementing effective classroom management strategies aligned with schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports. CW-FIT has proven effective in general education classrooms, with its emphasis on social skills instruction, teacher praise, group contingency, and positive reinforcement. This first study of CW-FIT implementation in elementary art classrooms examined its effects on student on-task behavior. The researchers used a single-subject (AB) design in one classroom and reversal designs (ABAB) in two classrooms. Results indicated student on-task behavior significantly improved, and the teacher was able to implement CW-FIT with fidelity as well as increase her praise-to-reprimand ratios. Both teacher and students found the intervention to be socially valid. Study implications and limitations are discussed.

A Classroom-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Elementary Student On-Task Behavior

ABSTRACTFew youths engage in the recommended amount of physical activity (PA). Many educators have concerns about increasing PA in schools, including taking time from academics, though studies show that school-based PA can be beneficial to academics. This study extends previous research on the relationship between school-based PA and time on task (TOT) by engaging students in teacher-led PA breaks in the classroom and observing students' on-task behavior for a longer period than previous studies. A third-grade class of 23 students from a rural New England public school was observed as part of a single-subject withdrawal design study. The class, therefore, served as its own control. Student on-task behavior was observed for 45 min following both inactive and active conditions using systematic direct observation procedures. The intervention consisted of 10 min of whole-body movement: 1–2 min of warm-ups, 6–8 min of moderate PA, and 1–2 min of cool-downs. Multiple measures of effect indicate that simple, 10-min, breaks for PA can improve TOT rates among elementary students. This study supports the use of brief breaks for PA to improve student TOT while also indicating that the effects persist for at least 45 min. This is valuable to educators who wish to increase TOT with a simple classroom intervention and for those who wish to help students meet the recommended amount of daily PA.

Effects of Professional Development and Videoconferencing on the Increase of Opportunities to Respond and the On-Task Behavior of Students with Emotional Behavior Disorders

Aim/Purpose: This study explored an alternative means to offering supervisory coaching to teachers, professional development, and virtual teacher coaching through the use of videoconferencing. Background: Teacher coaching has been identified as an effective way to improve teacher implementation of research proven effective classroom strategies. The use of technology to implement coaching widens the audience of coaches that one coach can reach. Methodology : A single-case multiple baseline design was used to investigate the effect the intervention had on the frequency with which teachers offer Opportunities to Respond (OTR) and on the on-task behavior of middle school students with emotional/ behavior disorders (E/BD). Contribution: This paper expands the body of knowledge on teacher coaching to include the use of technology. Findings: Results indicated there was a functional relationship between virtual teacher coaching with videoconferencing and teacher rates of OTR. However, no functional relationship was observed between teachers given OTR and student on-task behavior. Recommendations for Practitioners : The use of technology to implement coaching widens the audience of coaches that one coach can reach. Recommendation for Researchers: Future researchers should consider collecting data on academic information such as the number of correct responses in addition to on-task behavior. Impact on Society : Teacher practitioners will be able to benefit from increased access to coaches, improving effective implementation of evidence-based practices. Future Research: Among other things, researchers could consider studying students with disabilities other than emotional/behavioral disorders and even students without disabilities may give important information on how opportunities to respond works with other populations.

Effects of a Classroom Walking Program on Physical Activity Accrual and On-Task Behavior

The Walking Classroom (TWC) program provides a structured classroom physical activity (PA) break that incorporates academic content. The purpose of the study was to (a) explore differences in PA accrual on TWC school days versus non-TWC school days, (b) examine on-task behavior before and after TWC, and (c) better understand student and teacher experiences with the program. A mixed methods case study design was used as a method of examining the experiences of one fourth grade classroom and one classroom teacher in the western United States. Twelve weeks of pedometer steps were collected for the entire school day. Student on-task behavior was systematically observed for 10 weeks with 5-s interval recordings approximately 30-min before and after the implementation of TWC. Repeated measures ANCOVA (n = 22) revealed no significant differences between TWC days (M = 7,726 steps) and non-TWC days (M = 7,934 steps). Significant increases were observed in student on-task behavior following TWC breaks (+7.5%, t = -6.782, p < .001, Cohen’s d = .944). Three major themes emerged from the qualitative data: (a) students had fun learning while exercising, (b) technology challenges hindered TWC implementation, and (c) social interaction was desired during TWC breaks. Although findings indicated that TWC days were no different than non-TWC days in terms of PA accrual, teacher logs suggested that an additional recess was provided on non-TWC days, thus washing out any potential PA effect. The students and teacher had positive impressions of TWC overall, but offered suggestions for how TWC could be improved. Subscribe to TPE

Preliminary Evidence on the Efficacy of Mindfulness Combined with Traditional Classroom Management Strategies.

The current case study combined mindfulness-based strategies with a classroom behavior management treatment package, to assist teachers with managing 3rd grade student behaviors. Two teachers (Classroom teacher and Specials teacher) and six students within the same classroom were observed using a 5-min momentary time sampling procedure. A delayed multiple baseline across settings (e.g., Classroom teacher, Specials teacher) design was used to assess student behaviors across baseline (A), classroom behavior management treatment package (CBM) (B), CBM plus mindfulness (C), and CBM plus mindfulness and self-monitoring (D). Behavioral treatment alone increased on-task behaviors for four of six (66%) students compared to baseline; however, five of six (83%) students increased and sustained high rates of on-task behaviors when mindfulness exercises were added to the behavior analytic techniques. These preliminary results support the combination of mindfulness-based strategies with traditional behavior analytic interventions for increasing student on-task behaviors in classroom settings.

Relations Between Instructional Practices and On-Task Behavior in Classrooms Serving American Indian Students

ABSTRACTAchievement disparities between American Indian students and non-American Indian peers are persistent and well documented. Student engagement is a promising target for intervention given its relation to academic achievement. This study investigated the relation between specific teacher practices (opportunities to respond [OTRs], praise, and reprimands) and classroom on-task behavior in an urban, public K–8 school that serves primarily American Indian students. OTRs and praise were positively associated with student on-task behavior, whereas reprimands were negatively associated with on-task behavior. Results from multilevel logistic regression indicated that OTRs significantly increased the likelihood that a classroom was highly on-task, whereas the reprimands significantly decreased the likelihood. Praise did not have a significant effect after controlling for the other variables in the model. Results are interpreted in a context of evidence-based instructional practices for increasing OTRs and praise, decreasing reprimands, and ultimately enhancing on-task behavior in an urban classrooms serving primarily American Indian youth.

School-wide mediated prosocial development: Applying a sociocultural understanding to inclusive practice and character education

The issue of inclusive practice, particularly as it pertains to how school staff address antisocial behavior to improve learning and life outcomes for children has become a primary topic of discussion among educational stakeholders. Within an action research framework, this investigation used a mixed-method multiple case study approach to investigate what impact character education has on school climate and pupil behavior within five primary schools in England. Data were collected using interviews, observations, and archived records. All data-sets suggest that a multicomponent socioculturally inspired program can have positive effects on teacher talk, student on-task behavior, and decrease disruptive incidences during class and office referrals for antisocial behavior. Moreover, according to participant reports, the findings indicate that there is a positive effect on the school’s ability to meet the social, emotional, and cognitive needs of pupils within a multicultural setting following the implementation of a whole-school character education program.

Before-school running/walking club: Effects on student on-task behavior

Before-school programs provide a good opportunity for children to engage in physical activity (PA) as well as improve their readiness to learn. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a before-school running/walking club on elementary school children's on-task behavior. The study employed a two-phase experimental design with an initial baseline phase followed by an alternating treatments phase, and was first conducted at a private school (School A) and subsequently replicated at a public school (School B). Participants were third and fourth grade children from two schools in the Southwestern U.S. who participated in a before-school running/walking club that met two times each week (School A: 20 min; School B: 15 min) during the 2013/2014 academic year. Participation in the program was monitored using pedometers and on-task behavior was assessed through direct observation. Data analyses included visual analysis, Tau-U index, and multilevel modeling. Results from all analyses indicated that on-task behavior was significantly higher on days the children attended the before-school program than on days they did not. According to multilevel modeling results, mean differences and effect sizes were: School A = 15.78%, pseudo-R2 = .34 [strong effect]; School B = 14.26%, pseudo-R2 = .22 [moderate effect]. Results provide evidence for the positive impact of before-school PA programs on children's classroom behavior and readiness to learn. Such programs do not take time away from academics and may be an attractive option for schools. Results also have implications for the structure of children's school day and the scheduling of PA opportunities.

Managing Student Behavior in an Elementary School Music Classroom: A Study of Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams

Classroom management is a common concern for teachers. Music teachers in particular experience unique behavior challenges because of large class sizes, uncommon pacing requirements, and performance-based outcomes. Positive behavior support is an evidence-based framework for preventing or eliminating challenging behaviors by teaching and reinforcing appropriate social skills. Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams (CW-FIT), a specific positive behavior support intervention involving social skills instruction, positive reinforcement, and group contingencies, has proven effective in elementary schools but has not been evaluated specifically in music classrooms. The present study sought to investigate the effectiveness of CW-FIT in increasing on-task behavior and teacher praise-to-reprimand ratios in a sixth-grade music classroom. A single-subject reversal (ABAB) design was used. Results indicated that student on-task behavior increased when CW-FIT was implemented. Teacher praise-to-reprimand ratios also improved. Results suggest the teacher and the students found CW-FIT valuable and enjoyable. Study limitations and implications are addressed.

A Preliminary Study in Applying the Function-Based Intervention Decision Model in Consultation to Increase Treatment Integrity

This preliminary study investigated the use of the Function-Based Intervention Decision Model (Decision Model; Umbreit, Ferro, Liaupsin, & Lane, 2007) to improve teacher treatment integrity for a function-based classroom management plan. The participants were a special education teacher and three elementary-age students receiving special education services for emotional disturbance (ED) who engaged in disruptive, off-task behavior. This study was conducted in two parts: (a) a comprehensive functional assessment-based classroom management plan was systematically designed for a self-contained classroom of students with ED using the Decision Model, and (b) a functional assessment-based consultation (FABC) plan was systematically constructed using the Decision Model and implemented with the teacher participant to evaluate its effect on treatment integrity using a single-subject modified changing criterion design. Results of this study showed improvement in treatment integrity following the implementation of FABC, as well as improvement in student on-task behavior. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Functional Behavioral Assessment-Based Classroom Intervention: The Relationship between On-task Behavior and Academic Skills of Middle School Students

Functional Behavioral Assessment-Based Classroom Intervention: The Relationship between On-task Behavior and Academic Skills of Middle School Students

EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF ON-TASK IN A BOX AS A CLASS-WIDE INTERVENTION

The present study evaluated the effects of the On-Task in a Box intervention on student on-task behavior when used as a class-wide intervention. The intervention package includes self-monitoring, video modeling, and reinforcement contingency components. A multiple baseline design across three elementary classrooms was used to determine the effects of the intervention on student behavior. Results indicated immediate increases in on-task behavior in all classrooms. Calculation of nonoverlap of all pairs’ effect sizes indicated strong intervention and maintenance effects on on-task behavior of students in all classrooms. Social validity data were also collected, which indicated adequate validity of the intervention. Results of the study suggest that the intervention package may be effective for improving class-wide levels of on-task behavior.

Increasing Teacher Praise and on Task Behavior for Students With Autism Using Mobile Technology

This study investigated the effects of using mobile technology as an intervention to increase the amount of praise delivered by teachers to low-performing students with autism. Additionally, the study also investigated the impact that praise would have on the on-task behaviors of these students. Participants included five elementary students with autism, two teachers, and two paraprofessionals. Results indicated that prompts from the mobile devices were effective in increasing the amount of praise provided by each of these educators. However, the extent to which teachers’ contingent praise impacted student on-task behaviors was less clear. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

COMBINING SELF-MONITORING AND AN INTERDEPENDENT GROUP CONTINGENCY TO IMPROVE THE BEHAVIOR OF SIXTH GRADERS WITH EBD

A withdrawal design was used to examine the influence of a self-monitoring procedure on the overall effectiveness of an interdependent group contingency intervention implemented in a sixth-grade classroom in an alternative school serving students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Dependent variables included student on-task, off-task, and disruptive behaviors exhibited during language arts. Following baseline, the classroom teacher implemented an interdependent group contingency using randomized criteria for reinforcement and randomized reinforcers. Next, a self-monitoring intervention procedure was added to the existing interdependent group contingency intervention. The self-monitoring procedure was then withdrawn and reinstated. Results indicated that though there were improvements in behavior from baseline upon intervention implementation, the self-monitoring procedure did not increase the effectiveness of the interdependent group contingency intervention. Limitations and suggestions for future research investigating the influence of self-monitoring on group contingency interventions are discussed.

Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams "CW-FIT" Efficacy Trial Outcomes.

The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of the Class-wide Function-related Intervention Teams (CW-FIT) program for improving students' on-task behavior, and increasing teacher recognition of appropriate behavior. The intervention is a group contingency classroom management program consisting of teaching and reinforcing appropriate behaviors (i.e., getting the teacher's attention, following directions, and ignoring inappropriate behaviors of peers). Seventeen elementary schools, the majority in urban and culturally diverse communities, participated in a randomized trial with 86 teachers (classrooms) assigned to CW-FIT, and 73 teachers (classrooms) assigned to the comparison group. Class-wide student on-task behavior improved over baseline levels in the intervention classes. Teachers were able to implement the intervention with high fidelity overall, as observed in adherence to 96% of the fidelity criteria on average. Teacher praise and attention to appropriate behaviors increased, and reprimands decreased. These effects were replicated in new classrooms each of the 4 years of the study, and for all years combined.

Using WatchMinder to Increase the On-Task Behavior of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study assessed the use of WatchMinder™, a vibrating prompt watch, and self-graphing on the on-task behavior of students with autism spectrum disorder in an elementary special education setting. Using a multiple baseline across subjects design, results showed an immediate increase in on-task behavior when the intervention was introduced. Participants maintained high levels of on-task behavior during the follow-up phase. Implications for expanded self-monitoring treatment packages are discussed.

CW-FIT: Group Contingency Effects across the Day

This study explored the effects of a group-contingency intervention on student behavior across academic instructional periods. Research suggests group contingencies are evidence-based practices, yet calls for investigation to determine the best conditions and groups suited for this type of intervention. CW-FIT (Class-Wide Function-related Intervention Teams), an interdependent-group contingency intervention, was implemented in a first grade general education classroom across three academic periods. Results indicate student on-task behavior and teacher praise increased after intervention in all three settings. In addition, three students identified as at-risk for problem behaviors decreased disruptive behaviors in response to the intervention.

Stability Balls and Students With Attention and Hyperactivity Concerns: Implications for On-Task and In-Seat Behavior

We evaluated the effects of stability balls on in-seat and on-task behavior of students with attention and hyperactivity concerns. A group of 8 students in the 4th and 5th grades was observed 3 times/wk for 12 wk using a single-subject A-B continuous time-series design. We analyzed data collected from standardized measures and classroom observations for mean differences across pre- and postintervention phases. Results of the stability ball intervention revealed increased levels of attention, decreased levels of hyperactivity, and increased time on task and in seat or on ball. Findings from the social validity questionnaire demonstrated that teachers preferred the stability balls over chairs. This study provides additional evidence for the effectiveness of stability balls in the general education classroom for children who exhibit difficulties with attention and hyperactivity.