On-Task Participation of Typical Students close to and away from Classmates with Disabilities in an Elementary Music Classroom

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to assess on-task participation by individual typical students in an inclusive elementary music classroom when students were close to and away from classmates with disabilities. Ten typical fourth-grade children in an inclusive music class of 24 students, two of whom had disabilities, were selected for observation. No specific instructions were given to students regarding interactions with peers with disabilities. Computerized software was used to record on-task and off task behaviors. Findings show differences among typical students related to the two classmates with disabilities and in different locations. Results discussed include individual differences among typical students, location and the academic success of students with and without disabilities, and the importance of teaching typical children when and how to interact with their classmates with disabilities.