The Effect of Instructional Choice on Classroom Behavior: A Meta-Analysis of Single-Case Research

Abstract

Because research has shown that strong academic instruction also supports classroom behavior, this meta-analysis examined the empirical evidence supporting the use of instructional choice as a classroom management strategy. We aimed to describe the characteristics of the literature base, calculate the average effect of instructional choice on classroom behavior, and identify the variables that contributed to heterogeneity within findings. We searched for published and gray literature across seven databases. Studies eligible for inclusion (a) took place in grades K-12 educational settings, (b) used instructional choice as the primary intervention, (c) measured student behavioral outcomes, and (d) were conducted using a single-case research design. The analysis includes 34 studies, including 89 individual students and 170 cases. We found instructional choice significantly increased desired classroom behaviors (log response ratio [ LRR ] = .186, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [.042, .330]), but did not significantly decrease challenging behaviors ( LRR = −.468, 95% CI = [−1.1, .163]). Moderator analyses indicated instructional choice is associated with significantly larger increases in behavior for secondary students and when preference assessments are not given. Primary limitations included unexplained heterogeneity and evolving procedures for conducting single-case meta-analyses. Implications for research and practice are discussed.