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Frequently Asked Questions

Forum References FAQ's Quiz Lecture Introduction Q: How does a teacher decide when to use more intrusive (adult-directed) instructional strategies with a student in an inclusive classroom setting?
A: This decision should be based on data collected over time that compare the number of correct or appropriate responses from a student in a specific setting with the number of response opportunities provided. Lack of progress could be reflective of inadequate response opportunities. In such a case, the teacher may consider altering the environment to create additional social opportunities or alternate modes for responding within classroom routines. If, on the other hand, response opportunities seem adequate, lack of progress may indicate the need for a more direct instructional strategy, (i.e., differential reinforcement, naturalistic procedures, response prompting.)

Q: I thought only applied behavior analysts used discrete trial instruction. Who should be trained to implement direct instruction strategies?
A: Although many of the strategies outlined in this lesson are associated with the field of applied behavior analysis, they are sound educational practices and should be part of every teacher’s repertoire. Parents, therapists, paraeducators, and support staff working with children with special needs, including ASD, should also be trained to effectively implement these strategies.

Q: What percent of a student’s academic day should be spent in direct instruction?
A: This is a decision of the student’s IEP team based on assessment and observation data of how the student learns. Questions include:Does the student demonstrate acquisition, generalization, and/or maintenance of skills in large -or small -group settings? When and where is the student able to respond independently? Remember, research suggests that less adult direction and greater opportunity for child-initiated behavior are generally associated with increased generalization of learned skills across settings, with different materials and people. The optimal instructional methodology for a student is one that uses the least intrusive approach to elicit successful performance with different settings, materials, and people.