Time on Their Side: How Visual Timers Affect Anticipatory Anxiety, Performance, and On-Task Behavior in Elementary...

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Child Development

Background:

• Visual timers are known to reduce anxiety and improve performance in children.
• Previous research suggests benefits, but interaction patterns and effects on off-task behavior require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of visual timers (Time-Timer) on mathematical performance, anxiety, and on-task behavior in 7- to 9-year-old students.
• To explore how children interact with visual timers and if usage influences off-task behaviors.
• To assess the effect on children at higher risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Main Methods:

• Forty-four children completed a timed math assessment under two conditions: with and without a visible Time-Timer.
• Counterbalanced design was used to compare conditions.
• Anxiety levels, math performance, and on-task behaviors (inattentive, motor instability) were measured. Conners' questionnaire assessed ADHD risk.

Main Results:

• Visual timers significantly reduced anticipatory anxiety before the math assessment.
• No significant differences in mathematical performance were found between the two conditions.
• The Time-Timer condition led to a significant decrease in inattentive and motor instability behaviors, particularly for children at higher risk for ADHD.
• Engagement with the Time-Timer varied greatly among participants.

Conclusions:

• Visual timers are beneficial for reducing anxiety and promoting on-task behavior during timed assessments.
• The study underscores the need to consider individual differences in how children engage with visual timers.
• Findings support the use of visual timers as a tool to support children's focus and emotional regulation during academic tasks.