Improving compliance and on-task behaviour with a self-management intervention within a mainstream school.

Abstract

Compliant behaviour is a key skill related to the social and academic success of children. Extending the research conducted by Lee (2016), the goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a technology-based self-management intervention on the compliant behaviour of two typically developing 10-year-old boys. Students each used an iPod Touch (6th generation) with iOS 12.2 and an inbuilt message notification system to receive visual prompts from the researcher, prompting them to record their behaviour on an application. The application 'StickerPop! Sticker Charts' was used by each of the participants to self-record their compliant behaviour. The effect of the intervention was assessed within a multiple baseline across participants design, incorporating a reversal design. Results indicate that the intervention was highly effective in increasing compliant behaviour for both participants. Concomitant improvements in on-task behaviour were also observed for one participant. These results were maintained during a two-week follow-up. The intervention was judged highly acceptable by the participants and their teacher. Overall, the intervention was effective within a classroom environment over a relatively short amount of time, benefiting the teacher and students. Strengths, limitations, and the theoretical implication of this study are discussed. Future research is suggested.