Effect of Recess on Student Attention and Disruption
1. Effects of Recess on
Student Attention and
Disruptions
Erica Aldam
ED601
https://soundcloud.com/user717131154/audio-recording-on-tuesday
2. Introduction
Recess time has been greatly reduced in
many schools
Instructional time is deemed most important
Recess has benefits on many student
behaviors
The students who need recess most, tend to
lose it as a consequence
3. Focus
The focus of this research was to see how
recess impacted student behaviors.
Could more frequent or longer recess reduce
off-task behaviors?
Could recess enhance learning for all
students?
4. Participants
12 first graders
1 ELL student
4 females, 8 males
5 students on IEP or 504 for speech and
language
5. Methods
Qualitative study
Field notes
Observations
Analyzing notes to find common themes
among students
Implement an intervention: additional recess
6. Data: Themes
Theme Behaviors
Work production Consists of the amount of prompting to complete work and the amount
completed
Attentiveness Able to recall learned information and directions, body is in a listening
and learning position (body still, eyes on speaker, ears listening, voices
off)
Disruptions Unnecessary noises or talking out, not raising hand.
Fidgeting Unstill body in circle or at desk, out of seat, sitting inappropriately at desk
Other Participation, distractibility
7. Data: Results
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Consiste
nt
Behavior
Increase
d Work
Producti
Decreas
ed
Fidgetine
Increase
d
Attentive
Increase
d
Participa
Number of Students 5 7 6 7 5
9. Implications
This study was a small snapshot of student
behaviors.
If positive behaviors increase, recess should
be more thoughtfully implemented and
scheduled.
An increase in positive behaviors may
suggest academic achievement.
10. Implications
This study was a small snapshot of student
behaviors.
If positive behaviors increase, recess should
be more thoughtfully implemented and
scheduled.
An increase in positive behaviors may
suggest academic achievement.