Classroom behavior management apps: A comparative case study of school discipline practices
Classroom behavior management apps: A comparative case study of school discipline practices
Project Summary
Millions of classrooms throughout the U.S. and internationally have begun adopting computerized apps (e.g., ClassDojo) to provide students with rewards and punishments as a part of classroom management. Despite their rapid adoption, little is known about how these apps may be affecting students and school discipline. This project explores schools' practices, including benefits, drawbacks, and equity concerns associated with uses of these apps.
Approach
Disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline is an equity and social justice issue. Although these apps promise to promote positive behavior, there is actually a dearth of research about whether they actually help students. This is the first study to compare practices across schools, as well as to examine the unintended consequences that may result from their use.
Measurement & Metrics
34 interviews with administrators and teachers in three urban schools (2 charter and 1 public)
Key Findings
- Classroom behavior management apps can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from enhancing student motivation, to communicating with families, to problem-solving around inequitable discipline practices.
- However, some schools may experience drawbacks, including over competitiveness and backlash from students.
- Using these apps may come at the expense of other classroom management strategies, such as building positive relationships, improving instruction, and refining classroom routines.