The Engaged Learners Program: Effects on Student Engagement During Small Group Reading Instruction.
A quick team-point system lifted engagement for seven of eight upper-elementary students during small-group reading.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Teachers ran a short group-contingency program called Engaged Learners. Kids earned team points for staying on task during small-group reading.
The study used a multiple-baseline design across eight upper-elementary students. Seven of the eight kids showed better engagement after the program started.
What they found
Most students looked at the text, answered questions, and followed along more often. The gains showed up quickly and held while the program ran.
One child barely changed; the rest clearly improved. The team liked the simple point system and kept using it.
How this fits with other research
Veenman et al. (2018) pooled 19 trials and found group contingencies cut disruptive behavior and lifted on-task behavior across regular classes. The new study lines up with that big picture.
Rast et al. (1985) got similar gains with just daily teacher feedback. Their tactic was even simpler, but both papers show quick, low-cost ways to boost engagement.
Lemons et al. (2015) warned that reading lessons alone rarely fix behavior. The 2024 paper answers that call by pairing reading time with a clear behavior system.
Why it matters
You can set up Engaged Learners in one prep period. Pick a team goal, hand out points, and watch engagement rise during reading groups. It costs nothing and needs no extra staff. Try it on Monday with kids who stare at the ceiling or poke their neighbor when books open.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
In this study we tested the usability, feasibility, social validity, and effectiveness of Engaged Learners, a behavior support program designed to be integrated into small group reading interventions. Participants included eight Grade 3 to 5 students with co-occurring reading difficulties and inattention. A concurrent multiple-baseline design was utilized to test the effects of Engaged Learners on engagement outcomes. Visual analysis and effect sizes indicated an improvement in engagement for seven students. Interventionists and students viewed the Engaged Learners program to be effective and socially valid. Limitations included lower than expected levels of fidelity for one interventionist and high student absenteeism. More research is needed to identify the extent to which Engaged Learners can support reading outcomes. Educators seeking an effective behavior support program that requires minimal training and coaching may consider integrating Engaged Learners into their small group reading instruction.
Behavior modification, 2024 · doi:10.1177/01454455231213980