Skip to main content
Log in

Investigating the Effects of Self-Monitoring Interventions with Students with Disabilities on the Maintenance and Generalization of On-Task Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review

  • Review Paper
  • Published:
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Although there is a consensus regarding the positive effects of self-monitoring interventions on improving on-task behaviors of students with disabilities, the findings for maintenance and generalization have not been shown to be consistent across studies (i.e., Cook & Sayeski, 2020; Wood et al., 2002). The current study aimed to assess the research analyzing the effects of self-management on students’ on-task behavior using the What Works Clearinghouse design standards (Kratochwill et al., 2013) and the resulting maintenance and generalization of on-task behaviors (if any) in specific using standards developed by Neely et al. (2016) and Neely et al. (2018). The findings indicate that programming for maintenance and generalization of on-task behavior in self-monitoring interventions are generally poor in quality and quantity.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

*Articles Included in Review

  • Agran, M., King-Sears, M. E., Wehmeyer, M. L., & Copeland, S. R. (2003). Teachers’ guide to inclusive practices: Student-directed learning. Paul H. Brookes.

  • Albion, F. M., & Salzberg, C. L. (1982). The effect of self-instruction on the rate of correct addition problems with mentally retarded children. Education and Treatment of Children, 5(2), 121–131. https://www.jstor.org/stable/42900380

  • Anderson-Inman, L., Paine, S. C., & Deutchman, L. (1984). Neatness counts: Effects on direct instruction and self-monitoring on the transfer of neat-paper skills to non-training settings. Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 4(2), 137–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/0270-4684(84)90037-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ardoin, S. P., & Martens, B. K. (2004). Training children to make accurate self-evaluations: Effects on behavior and the quality of self-ratings. Journal of Behavioral Education, 13(1), 1–23. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41824317

  • *Aykut, C. (2020). Increasing self-evaluation use through video feedback to improve academic engagement among students with intellectual disabilities. International Journal of Progressive Education, 16(1), 111–124. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijpe.2020.228.9

  • Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1(1), 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1968.1-91

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • *Beckman, A., Mason, B., Wills, H. P., Garrison-Kane, L., & Huffman, J. M. (2019). Improving behavioral and academic outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder: Testing an app-based self-monitoring intervention. Education and Treatment of Children, 42(2), 225–244. https://doi.org/10.1353/etc.2019.0011

  • *Bedesem, P. L. (2012). Using cell phone technology for self-monitoring procedures in inclusive settings. Journal of Special Education Technology, 27(4), 33–46. https://doi.org/10.1177/016264341202700403

  • *Boswell, M. A., Knight, V., & Spriggs, A. D. (2013). Self-monitoring of on-task behaviors using the MotivAider by a middle school student with a moderate intellectual disability. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 32(2), 23–30. https://doi.org/10.1177/875687051303200205

  • Briesch, A. M., & Chafouleas, S. M. (2009). Review and analysis of literature on self-management interventions to promote appropriate classroom behaviors (1988–2008). School Psychology Quarterly, 24(2), 106–118. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016159

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Briesch, A. M., & Daniels, B. (2013). Using self-management interventions to address general education behavioral needs: Assessment of effectiveness and feasibility. Psychology in the Schools, 50(4), 366–381. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.21679

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Briesch, A. M., Daniels, B., & Beneville, M. (2019). Unpacking the term “self-management”: Understanding intervention applications within the school-based literature. Journal of Behavioral Education, 28(1), 54–77. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-018-9303-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Broer, S. M., Doyle, M. B., & Giangreco, M. F. (2005). Perspectives of students with intellectual disabilities about their experiences with paraprofessional support. Exceptional Children, 71, 415–430.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruhn, A. L., McDaniel, S. M., & Kreigh, C. (2015). Self-monitoring interventions for students with behavior problems: A review of current research. Behavioral Disorders, 40(2), 102–121. 10.17988%2FBD-13–45.1

  • *Bruhn, A. L., Vogelgesang, K., Fernando, J., & Lugo, W. (2016). Using data to individualize a multicomponent, technology-based self-monitoring intervention. Journal of Special Education Technology, 31(2), 64–76. https://doi.org/10.1177/0162643416650024

  • Busacca, M., Anderson, A., & Moore, D. W. (2015). Self-management for primary school students demonstrating problem behavior in regular classrooms: Evidence review of single-case design research. Journal of Behavioral Education, 24(4), 373–401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-015-9230-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Caldwell, S., & Joseph, L. M. (2012). Helping female juveniles improve their on-task behavior and academic performance using a self-management procedure in a correctional facility. Contemporary School Psychology, 16, 61–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03340976

  • Chafouleas, S., Sanetti, L., Jaffery, R., & Fallon, L. (2012). An evaluation of a classwide intervention package involving self-management and a group contingency on classroom behavior of middle school students. Journal of Behavioral Education, 21(1), 34–57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-011-9135-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Clemons, L. L., Mason, B. A., Garrison-Kane, L., & Wills, H. P. (2016). Self-monitoring for high school students with disabilities: A cross-categorical investigation of I-Connect. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 18(3), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098300715596134

  • Cook, B. G., Buysse, V., Klingner, J., Landrum, T. J., McWilliam, R. A., Tankersley, M., & Test, D. (2015). CEC’s standards for classifying the evidence base of practices in special education. Remedial and Special Education, 36(4), 220–234. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932514557271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Cook K. B., & Sayeski K. L. (2020). High-school students with high-incidence disabilities ‘use of smartphones for self-monitoring, Exceptionality. https://doi.org/10.1080/09362835.2020.1772064

  • Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd Edition). Pearson.

  • Dalton, T., Martella, R. C., & Marchand-Martella, N. E. (1999). The effects of a self-management program in reducing off-task behavior. Journal of Behavioral Education, 9(3), 157–176. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022183430622

  • Dixon, M. R., Belisle, J., Stanley, C., Speelman, R., Rowsey, K. E., & Daar, J. H. (2016). Establishing derived categorical responding in children with disabilities using the PEAK-E curriculum. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 50, 134–145. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.355

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Ennis, R. P., Lane, K. L., & Oakes W. P., (2018) Empowering teachers with low-intensity strategies to support instruction: Self-monitoring in an elementary resource classroom. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 62(3), 176-189. https://doi.org/10.1080/1045988X.2017.1408055

  • *Finn, L., Ramasamy, R., Dukes, C., & Scott, J. (2015). Using Watch Minder to increase the on-task behavior of students with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45, 1408–1418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2300-x

  • Horner, R. H., Carr, E. G., Halle, J., McGee, G. G., Odom, S., & Wolery, M. (2005). The use of single-subject research to identify evidence-based practice in special education. Exceptional Children, 71(2), 165–179. https://doi.org/10.1177/001440290507100203

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Howell, K. W., Rueda, R., & Rutherford, R. B. (1983). A procedure for teaching self-recording to moderately retarded students. Psychology in the Schools, 20, 202–220.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, A. X., Jia, M., & Wheeler, J. J. (2013). Children with autism in the People’s Republic of China: Diagnosis, legal issues, and educational services. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43, 1991–2001. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1722-6

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Huffman, J. M., Bross, L.A., Watson, E. K., Wills, H. P., & Mason, R. A. (2019). Preliminary investigation of a self-monitoring application for a postsecondary student with autism. Advanced Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 3, 423–433. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-019-00124-y

  • Hughes, C. A., Korinek, L., & Gorman, J. (1991). Self-management for students with mental retardation in public school settings: A research review. Education and Training in Mental Retardation, 26(3), 271–291. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23878616

  • *Imasaka, T., Lee, P. L., Anderson, A., Wong, C. W. R., Moore, D. W., Furlonger, B., & Bussaca, M. (2020). Improving compliance in primary school students with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Behavioral Education, 29(4), 763–786. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-019-09346-5

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 (2004).

  • *Kartal, M. S., & Yucesoy Ozkan, S. (2015). Effects of class-wide self-monitoring on on-task behaviors of preschoolers with developmental disabilities. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 50(4), 418–432. https://www.researchgate.net › publication › 289373874

  • Knapczyk, D. R., & Livingston, G. (1973). Self-recording and student teacher supervision: Variables within a token economy structure. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 481–486.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • *Kolbenschlag, C. M., & Wunderlich, K. L. (2019). The effects of self-monitoring on on-task behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Behavioral Education, 30, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-019-09352-7

  • Koyama, T., & Wang, H. T. (2011). Use of activity schedule to promote independent performance of individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities: A review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(6), 2235–2242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2011.05.003

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kratochwill, T. R., Hitchcock, J. H., Horner, R. H., Levin, J. R., Odom, S. L., Rindskopf, D. M., & Shadish, W. R. (2013). Single-case intervention research design standards. Remedial and Special Education, 34(1), 26–38. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932512452794

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maggin, D. M., Briesch, A. M., & Chafouleas, S. M. (2012). An application of the what works clearinghouse standards for evaluating single-subject research: Synthesis of the self- management literature base. Remedial and Special Education, 34, 44–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932511435176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martella, R. C., Leonard, I. J., Marchand-Martella, N. E., & Agran, M. (1993). Self-monitoring negative statements. Journal of Behavioral Education, 3(1), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00947146

  • Martella, R. C., Nelson, J. R., & Marchand-Martella, N. E. (1999). Research methods: Learning to become a critical research consumer. Allyn and Bacon.

  • Martella, R. C., Nelson, J. R., Marchand-Martella, N. E., & O’Reilly, M. (2012). Comprehensive behavior management: Individualized, classroom, and schoolwide approaches (2nd ed.). Sage.

  • Martella, R. C., Nelson, J. R., Morgan, R. L., & Marchand-Martella, N. E. (2013). Understanding and interpreting educational research. Guilford.

  • Mattson, S. L., & Pinkelman, S. E. (2020). Improving on-task behavior in middle school students with disabilities using activity schedules. 13(1), 104–113. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070130/

  • McDaugall, D., Heine, R. C., Wiley, L. A., Sheehey, M. D., Sakanashi, K. K., Cook, B. G., & Cook, L. (2017). Meta-analysis of behavioral self-management techniques used by students with disabilities in inclusive settings. Behavioral Interventions, 32(4), 399–417. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1491

  • Neely, L. C., Ganz, J. B., Davis, J. L., Boles, M. B., Hong, E. R., Ninci, J., & Gilliland, W. D. (2016). Generalization and maintenance of functional living skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A review and meta-analysis. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 3, 37–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-015-0064-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neely, L., Garcia, E., Bankston, B., & Green, A. (2018). Generalization and maintenance of functional communication training for individuals with developmental disabilities: A systematic and quality review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 79, 116–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2018.02.002

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, C. L., & Vollmer, T. R. (2012). Generalized instruction following with pictorial prompts. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45(1), 37–54. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2012.45-37

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Richards, S., Brady, M., & Taylor, R. (2015). Cognitive and intellectual disabilities (2nd ed.). Routledge.

  • Riden, B. S., Taylor, J. C., Ruiz, S., Lee, D. L., & Scheeler, M. C. (2020). Using a daily report card to reduce off-task behaviors for a student with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Behavioral Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-020-09382-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Roberts, G. J., Mize, M., Reutebuch, C. K., Falcomata, T., Capin, P., & Steelman, B. L. (2019). Effects of self-management with peer training intervention on academic engagement for high school students with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Behavioral Education, 28(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-018-09317-2

  • Rojewski, J. W., Lee, I. H., & Gregg, N. (2015). Causal effects of inclusion on postsecondary education outcomes of individuals with high-incidence disabilities. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 25(4), 210–219. 10.1177%2F1044207313505648

  • *Romans, S. K., Wills, H. P., Huffman, J. M., & Garrison-Kane, L. (2020). The effect of web- based self-monitoring to increase on-task behavior and academic accuracy of high school students with autism. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 64(3), 249-260. https://doi.org/10.1080/1045988X.2020.1732282

  • Rosenbaum, M. S., & Drabman, R. S. (1979). Self-control training in the classroom: A review and critique. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 12(3), 467–485. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1979.12-467

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • *Rosenbloom, R., Mason, R. A., Wills, P. H., & Mason, B. A. (2016). Technology delivered self-monitoring application to promote successful inclusion of an elementary student with autism. Assistive Technology, 28(1), 9-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2015.1059384

  • *Scalzo R, Henry K., Davis T. N., Amos, K., Zoch, T., Turchan, S., & Wagner, T. (2015) Evaluation of interventions to reduce multiply controlled vocal stereotypy. Behavior Modification, 39(4), 496–509. 10.1177%2F0145445515573986

  • Sheffield, K., & Waller, R. J. (2010). A review of single-case studies utilizing self-monitoring interventions to reduce problem classroom behaviors. Beyond Behavior, 19(2), 7–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • *Stasolla, F., Caffò, A. O., Perilli, V., Boccasini, A., Damiani, R., Albano, V., & Albano, A. (2017). Comparing self-monitoring and differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior to promote on-task behavior by three children with cerebral palsy: A pilot study. Life Span and Disability, 20(1), 63–92. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318084792

  • *Stasolla, F., Perilli, V., & Damiani, R. (2014). Self-monitoring to promote on-task behavior by two high functioning boys with autism spectrum disorders and symptoms of ADHD. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 8(5), 472-479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2014.01.007

  • Stokes, T. F., & Baer, D. M. (1977). An implicit technology of generalization. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 10(2), 349–367. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1977.10-349

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Stokes, T. F., & Osnes, P. G. (1989). An operant pursuit of generalization. Behavior Therapy, 20(3), 337–355. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7894(89)80054-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Szwed, K., & Bouck, E. C. (2013). Clicking away: Repurposing student response systems to lessen off-task behavior. Journal of Special Education Technology, 28(2), 1–12. 10.1177%2F016264341302800201

  • Szykula, S. A., Saudargas, R. A., & Whaler, R. G. (1981). The generality of self-control procedures following a change in the classroom teacher. Education and Treatment of Children, 4(3), 253–263. https://www.jstor.org/stable/42900345

  • Turnbull, A. Turnbull H. R, Wehmeyer, M., & Shogren, K. (2019). Exceptional lives: Practice, progress, & dignity in today’s schools (9th ed.). Pearson.

  • Wehmeyer, M. L., Agran, M., & Hughes, C. (1998). Teaching self-determination to students with disabilities: Basic skills for successful transition. Paul H. Brookes.

  • Wehmeyer, M. L., Yeager, D., Bolding, N., Agran, M., & Hughes, C. (2003). The effects of self-regulation strategies on goal attainment for students with developmental disabilities in general education classrooms. Journal of Developmental & Physical Disabilities, 15(1), 79–91. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021408405270

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Wills, H. P., & Mason, B. A. (2014). Implementation of a self-monitoring application to improve on-task behavior: A high school pilot study. Journal of Behavioral Education, 23(4), 421-434. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-014-9204-x

  • Wood, S. J., Murdock, J. Y., & Cronin, M. E. (2002). Self-monitoring and at-risk middle school students: Academic performance improves, maintains, and generalizes. Behavior Modification, 26(5), 605–626. 10.1177%2F014544502236653

  • Wood, S. J., Murdock, J. Y., Cronin, M. E., Dawson, N. M., & Kirby, P. C. (1998). Effects of self-monitoring on on-task behaviors of at-risk middle school students. Journal of Behavioral Education, 8(2), 263–279. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022891725732

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Xin, J. F., Sheppard, M. E., & Brown, M. (2017). Brief report: Using ipads for self-monitoring of students with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(5), 1559-1567. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3055-y

  • *Xu, S., Wang, J., Lee, G. T., & Luke, N. (2017). Using self-monitoring with guided goal setting to increase academic engagement for a student with autism in an inclusive classroom in China. The Journal of Special Education, 51(2),106–114. 10.1177%2F0022466916679980

  • Yucesoy Ozkan, S., & Sonmez, M. (2011). Examination of single subject studies conducted on individuals with disabilities by using self-management strategies: A meta-analysis study. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 11(2), 809–821. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ927378

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mehmet D. Sulu.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sulu, M.D., Martella, R.C., Grimmet, K. et al. Investigating the Effects of Self-Monitoring Interventions with Students with Disabilities on the Maintenance and Generalization of On-Task Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 10, 458–476 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-022-00304-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-022-00304-y

Keywords

Navigation