The Use of Sensory Balls in the Classroom: Effects on Behavioural and Academic Functioning of Students with Learning Disabilities
Journal Title: International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences - Year 2018, Vol 8, Issue 4
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate class-wide effects using an A-B-A-B reversal design, examining the effectiveness of sensory balls in comparison to classroom chairs in a special education classroom. Students’ on-task and out-of-seat behaviour were measured using behaviour observation ratings. The writing productivity were measured using Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Rendah Pendidikan Khas. Participants in the study consist of eight students with learning disabilities (ADHD and ASD). During baseline, students were seated on their traditional classroom chairs. During the intervention periods, typical classroom seating were replaced with sensory balls. The students undergo a maintenance phase similar to baseline phase and their behaviour as well writing productivity were observed. Sensory balls showed favourable improvements over baseline both on-task (overall mean baseline M=43.70) relative to intervention (M=59.55) and out of seat behaviour more effective than chairs with greater variability (overall mean baseline M=3.79, intervention M=2.40). Results also demonstrated slight improvement in writing productivity with accuracy over the course of the study and were comparable for both types of seating. Social validity measures indicated moderate levels of acceptability of sensory balls in the classroom among the students. The study is fundamental for many students in the special education classroom who encounters difficulties to outlet their energy (slight bouncing), and increase the amount of time they are able to focus. Therefore, this study is beneficial in special education classroom with students of different disabilities and diagnoses. Future research direction on sensory-motor activities may expand the relationship between the use sensory integration materials in special need classroom and its outcome on the students functioning and development.
Authors and Affiliations
Grace Annammal Piragasam, Norfishah Mat Rabi, Abdul Halim Masnan
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP561191
- DOI 10.6007/IJARBSS/v8-i4/4150
- Views 59
- Downloads 0
Perceptions of Service Quality and Behaviour Intentions of Campus Fitness Center Users in Malaysia and Thailand
The study was designed to determine the perceptions of service quality and future intention to use campus fitness centers in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Mahasarakham University, Thailand. Data were collected usin...
Utility Maximization Model of Teaching Effectiveness in Economics
The current research explored the utility maximization concept of teaching effectiveness of economics with the application of the student ratings of instruction (SRI) measuring device at a university in the southeastern...
The Relationship between Students Satisfaction and their Academic Performance among Public Relations Degree Students in UiTM Alor Gajah Melaka
A study was done to provide a professional evaluation of Public Relations degree students. Such a study had not been completed in the past and was needed to align student services with the mission, long-range goals, and...
Knowledge Transfer Strategies in Sports Organizations
Sports play a vital role in the development of the country. When a world-class athlete emerges, it will be able to promote the country. The country will be recognized in international level. Thus, there are various activ...
The Leadership style among Football Coaches Leadership Style among Teachers in Hulu Langat District: The implications on National Football Development Program (NFDP) in Malaysia
This study aims to identify the leadership style of football coach among teachers in the Selangor Hulu Langat District. The research design is through the interview method. A total of 12 teachers that act as school footb...