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Training Novice Instructors to Implement Errorless Discrete-Trial Teaching: A Sequential Analysis

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Abstract

Discrete trial teaching (DTT) is a common instructional method incorporated into intensive behavioral intervention programs for children diagnosed with autism. Errorless learning strategies are frequently recommended during DTT because they often result in more efficient and effective instruction. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a sequential analysis of the efficacy of three methods for teaching errorless DTT procedures to novice instructors: (a) a self-instruction manual, (b) an instructional video, (c) and brief performance feedback. Three participants mastered DTT following self-instruction and the remaining three participants required all three interventions. The present study extends the literature on training DTT skills by (a) illustrating an efficient, sequential method of staff training, (b) introducing an improved self-instruction manual, and (c) clearly delineating guidelines for implementing an errorless prompt fading strategy during DTT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Trumpet Behavioral Health, Morganton, USA

    Jamie M. Severtson

  2. Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Morganton, USA

    James E. Carr

Authors
  1. Jamie M. Severtson
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  2. James E. Carr
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Correspondence to Jamie M. Severtson.

Additional information

This article is based on a dissertation submitted by the first author, under the supervision of the second author, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the PhD degree in psychology at Western Michigan University. We thank Wayne Fuqua, Dick Malott, and John Austin for their helpful comments on the dissertation. This research was supported in part by Trinity Services, Inc. in Joliet, IL and Blue Cap in Blue Island, IL. The authors thank Art and Thane Dykstra, Nicole DeWitt, Jenifer Russell, Sharon Holcomb, Nancy Samardzic, James Lopresti, Ashley Siebert, Tony DiVittorio, and Laura Barnes for their assistance with and support of the research.

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Severtson, J.M., Carr, J.E. Training Novice Instructors to Implement Errorless Discrete-Trial Teaching: A Sequential Analysis. Behav Analysis Practice 5, 13–23 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391820

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