The Effects of Classical Music to Reduce Off Task Behavior during the Writing Proces

Playing background music in the classroom may be a fundamental tool in increasing on task behavior and reducing off task behavior. While students are working during writing instruction, music is played to help reduce off task behaviors. The purpose of this study was to use music to determine if students were able to focus and concentrate, as well as exhibit on task behaviors during writing instruction. Therefore, students quietly listened to background music while working on descriptive writing pieces. Three methods of data collection were used during this study: an observational checklist with anecdotal notes, an open-ended questionnaire, and pre and post writing assignments scored with a rubric. At the conclusion, student off task behavior decreased and 20 of the 22 students commented that they enjoyed listening to background music as they worked and believed it helped them concentrate and keep focus. The pre and post writing assignment revealed that some students had improvements in their writing as others still struggled. As student off task behavior decreased music may have been one factor that aided in this process.