Evaluating the Effects of Task Interspersal Math Assignments for Students Receiving Behavioral Support
Location
CSU 254
Start Date
21-4-2014 3:15 PM
End Date
21-4-2014 4:15 PM
Student's Major
Special Education
Student's College
Education
Mentor's Name
Alexandra Hilt-Panahon
Mentor's Email Address
alexandra.panahon@mnsu.edu
Mentor's Department
Special Education
Mentor's College
Education
Second Mentor's Name
Natasha Olson
Second Mentor's Department
Psychology
Second Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
Current research supports the task interspersal technique as a tool to improve student performance on math assignments, specifically concerning number of problems completed and accuracy of completed problems. The task interspersal method consists of the addition of easier math problems amidst target problems that are required for mastery at a student’s grade level. Essentially, the implementation of this technique allows students the confidence that comes with the completion of each problem, and therefore motivation to continue, as well as a respite between difficult problems. As math is a core academic discipline, it is necessary for professionals to be informed of interventions that increase both accuracy and productivity on target coursework, particularly methods of practice that do not reduce that mastery level activity. The purpose of this study will be to investigate the task interspersal method for students receiving behavioral support. Since most research has focused on students in general education classrooms, there is a lack of evidence that task interspersal is an effective technique for other students, such as those with behavioral problems. Middle school students will be given two types of assignments, including a control assignment and an interspersal assignment, in order to measure how the task interspersal method affects student performance. Results of this study are pending the conclusion of data collection. Results will indicate the effectiveness of this method for students receiving behavioral support, as well as the benefits the intervention has for professionals that apply task interspersal to increase student success in the area of math.
Evaluating the Effects of Task Interspersal Math Assignments for Students Receiving Behavioral Support
CSU 254
Current research supports the task interspersal technique as a tool to improve student performance on math assignments, specifically concerning number of problems completed and accuracy of completed problems. The task interspersal method consists of the addition of easier math problems amidst target problems that are required for mastery at a student’s grade level. Essentially, the implementation of this technique allows students the confidence that comes with the completion of each problem, and therefore motivation to continue, as well as a respite between difficult problems. As math is a core academic discipline, it is necessary for professionals to be informed of interventions that increase both accuracy and productivity on target coursework, particularly methods of practice that do not reduce that mastery level activity. The purpose of this study will be to investigate the task interspersal method for students receiving behavioral support. Since most research has focused on students in general education classrooms, there is a lack of evidence that task interspersal is an effective technique for other students, such as those with behavioral problems. Middle school students will be given two types of assignments, including a control assignment and an interspersal assignment, in order to measure how the task interspersal method affects student performance. Results of this study are pending the conclusion of data collection. Results will indicate the effectiveness of this method for students receiving behavioral support, as well as the benefits the intervention has for professionals that apply task interspersal to increase student success in the area of math.
Recommended Citation
Erdman, Raechel. "Evaluating the Effects of Task Interspersal Math Assignments for Students Receiving Behavioral Support." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2014.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2014/oral_session_14/3
