Errors typically occur on the first trials of the day or session

This observation is not unusual for any of us.  It sometimes takes a while to get "warmed up."  What becomes an issue, is if the teacher routinely collects data on the first trials of the day.  This data will not give a true indication of the students performance level.

Potential Remedy

Rather than only taking data on the first trial of the day, teachers might randomize the trial on which they take the data for recording.  If there are 3 trials per session, per day, the teacher can vary which trial she will take the data on.  She should also note, anecdotally, which of the trials the data was taken on in order to note whether there are changes in first trial performance.

You can email Dr. McNair at jmcnair@calbaptist.edu

Copyright Jeff McNair/jeffmcnair.com