Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 2025
Abstract
Schools across the nation have seen an uptick in the number of students who struggle to stay on-task and focus during classes in which they are seated for long periods of time. With the increase in distracting behaviors, teachers are left looking for ways to help students engage in lessons and stay on-task. There are many tools that are advertised and claim to help students focus. However, to what extent are these tools effective? This study aims to determine the effect the classroom environment has on student on-task behaviors. The particular focus of this study is the effect different seating environments have on student on-task behaviors. The study was conducted over three weeks with 7th grade students in a math classroom. Each week the seating environment changed, and students completed surveys regarding how the new seating environment affected their ability to stay on task. The different seating environments tested included traditional desks, bouncy bands, and flexible seating. The results indicate that seating environment does affect student on-task behaviors. Students expressed a preference for bouncy bands and flexible seating. As a result, student surveys revealed that students are better able to remain on-task when sitting in a desk with a bouncy band or flexible seating options. On this basis, it is recommended that schools implement bouncy bands or flexible seating options to help students stay on-task in class. Further research is needed to expand the ages of participants in the study and help determine the age groups that benefit most from bouncy bands and flexible seating.