Which type of discontinuous measurement is best for tracking engagement during a class lesson?

Whole interval recording is an effective method for tracking engagement during a class lesson because it focuses on capturing whether a behavior occurs throughout a designated interval of time. In this method, the observer notes whether the behavior is present at the end of each interval. This approach encourages sustained engagement, making it particularly useful in classroom settings where maintaining attention for longer periods is crucial for learning.

Using whole interval recording is beneficial because it provides a clear picture of whether students are engaged for the entire duration of the intervals, rather than just at isolated moments. This can help educators understand overall engagement trends and pinpoint times where students might need more support to maintain their focus during lessons.

In contrast, other methods such as momentary time sampling or partial interval recording might miss out on capturing the continuous nature of engagement, as they either focus on specific moments or require just partial occurrences. Frequency counting, while useful for certain behaviors, does not provide insight into the duration of engagement, which is essential for assessing sustained attention in a lesson context.