Enhancing Classroom Discipline and Task Completion of Grade 1 Learners through the "Squad System" Intervention: A Triple-Axis Triangulation Study

Authors

Jolly O. Cornelio

Department of Education, Schools Division of Sultan Kudarat (Philippines)

Regine L. Pacardo

Department of Education, Schools Division of Sultan Kudarat (Philippines)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100400034

Subject Category: Education

Volume/Issue: 10/4 | Page No: 485-494

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-04-05

Accepted: 2026-04-10

Published: 2026-04-25

Abstract

This action research, led by teacher-reservists, evaluated the effectiveness of the “Squad System” intervention—a military-inspired behavioral framework designed to enhance classroom discipline and task completion among Grade 1 learners. Conducted at Kulaman Central Elementary School, the study involved 59 key stakeholders, including 28 learners, 28 parents, and 3 professional observers. Utilizing a quantitative pre-test/post-test design, data were analyzed through weighted mean scores, Paired-Samples T-tests in Jamovi, and Triple-Axis Data Triangulation. Following a 21-day cycle, results revealed a transformative behavioral shift. The overall Grand Mean improved from a baseline of 1.57 (Developing) to 2.58 (Highly Effective), yielding statistically significant growth (p < .001). Specifically, classroom discipline improved by +0.99 (t(27) = 27.80) and task completion by +1.12 (t(27) = 191.60). Triangulated parental data highlighted a +0.88 mean gain, confirming a "Halo Effect" where classroom discipline generalized into domestic routines. In conclusion, the Squad System—leveraging the authors’ military expertise—is a highly effective mechanism for stabilizing early elementary behavior via peer-led accountability. It is recommended that the district institutionalize this intervention by adopting the standardized operating manual into local policies to guarantee long-term behavioral sustainability.

Keywords

Squad System, Teacher-Reservists, Classroom Discipline, Action Research, Triple-Axis Triangulation, Behavioral Generalization, Sultan Kudarat.

Downloads

References

1. Blair, C., & Razza, R. P. (2007). Self-regulation and school readiness as predictors of academic success in early elementary school. Child Development, 78(2), 647–663. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. Academic Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Cornelio, J. O. (2025). Implementation of Alternative Learning System (ALS) for Indigenous People learners in the Division of Sultan Kudarat. International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management & Applied Science (IJLTEMAS), 14(11), 1178–1191. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Department of Education. (2012). Child protection policy (DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Department of Education. (2015). Policy guidelines on classroom assessment for the K to 12 Basic Education Program (DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Department of Education. (2017). Research management guidelines (DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Embry, D. D. (2002). The Good Behavior Game: A best practice candidate as a universal behavioral vaccine. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 5(4), 273–297. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (1999). Learning together and alone: Cooperative, competitive, and individualistic learning (5th ed.). Allyn & Bacon. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Spillane, J. P. (2006). Distributed leadership. Jossey-Bass. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Watkins, L., O’Reilly, M., Kuhn, M., Gevarter, C., Lancioni, G. E., Sigafoos, J., & Lang, R. (2015). A review of peer-mediated social interaction interventions for students in inclusive settings. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(4), 1070–1083. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles