ERIC Number: EJ853381
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1098-1608
EISSN: N/A
Using Stress Balls to Focus the Attention of Sixth-Grade Learners
Stalvey, Sheryl; Brasell, Heather
Journal of At-Risk Issues, v12 n2 p7-16 Sum 2006
This pilot study investigated the effects of allowing sixth-grade students in a rural south Georgia school to use stress balls during direct instruction and independent practice. Data from learning style inventories, surveys, journals, teacher observations, and formal assessments were collected for 29 sixth-grade students in a language arts class. Students were videotaped and observed for three weeks before the intervention and for seven weeks when they used the stress balls. The frequency of distraction incidents decreased during both direct instruction and independent practice when students used stress balls. Kinesthetic learners used the stress balls more consistently and their attention spans increased more when compared to other learners. Student achievement on writing paragraphs improved. Based on journal entries, all types of learners thought that their attitude, attention, writing abilities, and peer interaction improved due to stress ball use. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Cognitive Style, Student Attitudes, Writing Ability, Teaching Methods, Rural Schools, Grade 6, Manipulative Materials, Surveys, Language Arts, Observation, Attention Span, Program Effectiveness, Academic Achievement, Journal Writing, Attitude Change, Peer Relationship, Writing Skills, Middle School Students, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Special Needs Students, Grades (Scholastic), Student Behavior
National Dropout Prevention Center/Network. Clemson University, 209 Martin Street, Clemson, SC 29631. Tel: 864-56-599; Fax: 864-656-0136; e-mail: ndpc@clemson.edu; Web site: http://www.dropoutprevention.org/ndpcdefault.htm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 6; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Georgia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A