Examining Additive and Synergistic Relations Between Preschool Self-Regulation and Executive Function Skills: Predictions to Academic Outcomes

In the present study, we examined the extent to which teacher-rated self-regulation and directly assessed executive function skills were independently, additively, or synergistically related to academic achievement during the transition to kindergarten. The sample included 126 children (42% female; Mage = 4.73 years) from families with low incomes who participated in a larger evaluation of state-funded preschool. Regression models with children nested in their respective preschool classrooms investigated main effects and moderated effects of teacher-rated self-regulation skills manifested in preschool classroom behaviors and cognitive executive function skills assessed through direct assessments on math, literacy, and vocabulary in the spring of preschool and in the fall of kindergarten. Results revealed independent but not additive relations between executive function and math in the spring of preschool and self-regulation and literacy in the fall of kindergarten. One significant interaction emerged providing evidence for synergistic relations between teacher-rated self-regulation and directly assessed executive function for literacy at both timepoints across the transition to kindergarten. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

The Effects of an Electronic Daily Behavior Report Card on Student’s Challenging Behavior

An ABAB reversal design was utilized to examine the effects of an electronic daily behavior report card (eDBRC) on non-compliant, off-task, and disruptive classroom behaviors of a 16-year-old with autism spectrum disorder and a 17-year-old with an intellectual disability. The intervention was implemented by two preservice teachers (interventionists) in their final student teaching requirement. In addition to visual analysis procedures, effect sizes (i.e., Tau-U) were calculated. The research questions were: (1) What are the effects of eDBRCs on participants’ disruptive and challenging classroom behaviors, (2) To what extent do preservice teachers implement eDBRCs with fidelity, and (3) Are eDBRCs a socially valid intervention? Upon completion of our study the eDBRC was effective in reducing non-compliant, off-task, and disruptive behaviors. We found that preservice special educators can implement a complex behavior intervention to support the outcomes of their learners during the student teaching experience. Additionally, we suggest eDBRCs are an acceptable intervention for students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities.

Assessing working memory in general education students for ADHD detection

The involvement of deficient working memory in ADHD symptomatology has attracted intense research interest and has been scientifically substantiated. This fact provided an impetus for this study, which aims to investigate the role of working memory assessment in detecting ADHD elements in general education students in classroom settings. Therefore, 67 classroom teachers rated 130 Greek general education primary school students on the Greek-WMRS. The research findings indicated statistically significant differences in the overall score of the Greek-WMRS and in the separate score of its 20 descriptions of classroom behaviors between children clinically diagnosed with ADHD and those without. In conclusion, students’ working memory assessment in classroom settings can significantly contribute to detection of ADHD behaviors so that such classroom behaviors to be extensively assessed for an effective diagnosis.

Causes of Vocational College Students’ Reticence in EFL Classrooms of Mainland China – based on Panxi Vocational College

This article reports on a study of students’ reticence in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms in Panxi Vocational College in Sichuan Province of Mainland China. Forty-one students answered a 28-item questionnaire. The students’ reticence levels, general tendency of unwillingness-to-speak, and their learning behaviors were identified. Individual and social factors contributing to the reticence phenomenon in the vocational college’s EFL classrooms were also determined. The results suggested that culture have strong influences on Chinese vocational college students’ reticence. However, their habitual classroom behaviors that have been established for a long time should be taken into account in regard to their reticence.

Promoting EF With Preschool Interventions: Lessons Learned From 15 Years of Conducting Large-Scale Studies

In the past two decades, a growing number of early childhood interventions that aim to improve school readiness have also targeted children's executive function (EF), building on the theory that promoting EF skills in preschool may play a key role in reducing the substantial gaps in school readiness and later achievement associated with family income. Despite the expansion of school readiness interventions across preschool, research evidence is mixed regarding what works to promote EF development and the impact of these interventions on children's EF skills, and subsequently, their academic and behavioral outcomes. This paper reviews four intervention approaches designed to support school readiness that may also improve children's EF skills by: (a) encouraging adaptive classroom behaviors, (b) improving social-emotional learning, (c) promoting play and direct training of EF skills, and (d) improving cognitive skills related to EF. We describe program effects from rigorous trials testing these approaches, including summarizing the takeaways from four large-scale intervention research studies conducted by the authors, involving over 5,000 children. We conclude by exploring open questions for the field and future directions for research and intervention program development and refinement.

Interpret with Caution: COPUS Instructional Styles May Not Differ in Terms of Practices That Support Student Learning

The Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS) instructional styles reliably distinguish between frequency patterns of classroom behaviors, but do not readily discern differences in formative assessment and feedback. Given the positive relationship between formative assessment and student learning, this study highlights the limitations of the COPUS in documenting the results of STEM reform.

Recognition of Student Classroom Behaviors Based on Moving Target Detection

Classroom teaching, as the basic form of teaching, provides students with an important channel to acquire information and skills. The academic performance of students can be evaluated and predicted objectively based on the data on their classroom behaviors. Considering the complexity of classroom environment, this paper firstly envisages a moving target detection algorithm for student behavior recognition in class. Based on region of interest (ROI) and face tracking, the authors proposed two algorithms to recognize the standing behavior of students in class. Moreover, a recognition algorithm was developed for hand raising in class based on skin color detection. Through experiments, the proposed algorithms were proved as effective in recognition of student classroom behaviors.