This is for any EMB145 aircrews out there - or anyone else who knows the answer of course

I was flying on a ExpressJet EMB145 yesterday coming into ONT when I felt the configuration change but I didn't think it would have been flaps or gear based on where we were in the approach. I looked out the window behind me and saw what looked like two small spoiler like devices raised up on the top and inboard of the trailing edge flap. Later - once I knew that the Captain had lower flaps and eventually the gear, I looked again and these devices were down.

Were these devices a form of speedbrakes or some other type of high drag device to help increase the rate of descent while keeping the airspeed under control?

USMCFLYR