Describes a study conducted in an attempt to accumulate and analyze data on the professional activities within the field of industrial/technology education. Information on the percentage of time spent on certain tasks; the years and types of work experiences; the number of grants, publications, and presentations; and the percentage of respondents…

This study focused on an analysis of teachers' perception of the concept of on-task in order to understand better how research results are interpreted and utilized by classroom teachers. Results suggest that ways of thinking about the concept of "on-task" may be cognitive-developmental in character. (Author/MT)

Compared to nonreactive toys (ones without or with restricted sensory feedback), reactive toys had a substantially greater influence on the amount of time each of three severely disabled children (6-9 years old) spent in manipulative activity. Comparative effects of two toy classes on visual attention to toy play were inconclusive. (CL)

Research on teacher effectiveness in reading instruction is reviewed and implications for gifted students are noted for four areas: reading diagnosis, teacher-directed instruction, opportunities to learn and practice, and engagement in learning. (CL)

Twenty-four undergraduate students in special education interacted with a child confederate while solving three tasks with the child either exhibiting distractible or ontask behavior. Analysis of the data using multivariate analysis of variance techniques supported the hypothesis that adults respond differently to particular characteristics of…

In two sessions, the duration and tempo of toy play of infants and reaction of frustration were measured. Correlations indicated a general relationship between response persistence during play and attempts to escape frustrating situations. (Author/CM)

Reviews research studies which deal with the relationship between the time students spend engaged in learning and their subsequent achievement performance, and examines the emerging implications of these studies for the classroom teacher. (MP)

Tested whether learning disabled children start a vigilance task (1) with the same capacity or detectability as nondisabled children but decline as time on task increases; (2) at a lower level of stimulus detectability due to a reduced capacity for information processing but do not decline in attention faster than nondisabled children. (Author/DB)

Examined effects of adult- and self-monitoring on activity engagement and social interaction of three preschoolers with autism, using an alternating treatment and multiple baseline design. Found high baseline levels of active, although solitary, engagement. Adult- and self-monitoring produced equal increases in social interaction with nondisabled…

The study assessed the effects of redesigning the classroom physical environment to minimize stimulation on the occurrence of self-stimulation, on-task behavior, inappropriate behavior, and inactivity with 3 autistic males (16, 16, and 26 years old). Self-stimulation and inactivity decreased and on-task behavior increased. (Author/DB)

Describes a study of preservice teachers that investigated two types of Internet connectivity to determine whether access to graphical user interface (GUI) tools increase both the level of use and positive attitudes toward technology. Results at mid-point reveal more positive attitudes and more time spent by using GUI tools. (Author/LRW)

Tests alternative performance-based instructional models of growth in students' academic achievement in elementary schools. Models tested viewed growth in academic achievement as function of exposure to academic subject matter, task quality, and student engagement. Results indicate best fit was achieved by a structural model that includes student…

Children recognize two kinds of classroom play: instrumental play organized by teachers for academic purposes; and illicit play stressing surreptitious, unsanctioned activities like whispering and clowning around. Each is associated with a particular form of classroom community. This article considers how the nature of classroom play influences…

Describes four components of the DataWorks Productivity Index (DPI) that measures classroom productivity: time on task, curriculum alignment, breadth of curriculum, and teacher effectiveness. (PKP)

Student time on task is the most influential factor in student achievement. High motivation and engagement in learning have consistently been linked to increased levels of student success. At the same time, a lack of interest in schoolwork becomes increasingly common in more and more middle school students. To maximize time on task, teachers need…