SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMS

Introduction to Skill Acquisition Programs

  • Focus on skill acquisition programs.
  • Learning objectives:
    • Definition of a skill acquisition program.
    • Components of a skill acquisition program.
    • Guidelines for running skill acquisition programs.

Definition of Skill Acquisition Program

  • A skill acquisition program is a written description of a target skill and related procedures used to teach that skill.
  • It involves teaching multiple skills, each with its own corresponding skill acquisition program.

Purpose of Skill Acquisition Programs

  • To individualize teaching procedures for each client.
    • Example:
    • For a client resisting physical prompting, a gestural prompt is used instead of hand-over-hand prompting.
  • Ensures consistency in the implementation of teaching procedures across different therapists working with the same client.

Components of a Skill Acquisition Program

  • Key components that are generally included:
    1. Target Skill
    2. Operational Definition
    3. Teaching Steps
    4. Teaching Procedures
    5. Generalization and Maintenance Procedures
    6. Data Collection Procedures
    7. Mastery Criteria

1. Target Skill

  • Refers to the specific skill the client is to acquire.
  • Examples of target skills:
    • Matching objects.
    • Imitating movements.
    • Brushing teeth.
    • Playing games with peers.
    • Counting objects.
    • Having conversations.
    • Completing work chores.
  • Target skills can be academic, social, language, daily living, or vocational skills.

2. Operational Definition

  • An operational definition describes the target skill in objective and measurable terms.
    • Also known as a teaching goal.
  • Example for labeling body parts:
    • "When shown a picture of a body part and asked the question, 'What's this?', Johnny will correctly label the body part in the picture within three seconds."

3. Teaching Steps

  • Teaching steps break down the target skill into incremental components.
    • Known as teaching objectives or targets in some organizations.
  • Examples of teaching steps for various target skills:
    • Brushing Teeth:
    1. Wet toothbrush.
    2. Apply toothpaste.
    3. Brush back and forth.
    4. Rinse mouth.
    • Single Digit Addition:
    1. Identify the larger number.
    2. Count up from the larger number using fingers.
    3. Count up silently.
    4. Complete single digit problems in worksheet format.

4. Teaching Procedures

  • Detailed instructions:
    • Setup and materials required to teach the skill.
    • Location for teaching the skill.
    • Specific prompting procedures and reinforcement strategies.
  • Example of teaching procedure for matching identical objects:
    • Gather two sets of identical objects.
    • Present objects with instruction "match".
    • Guide client in matching objects and provide reinforcement.

5. Generalization and Maintenance Procedures

  • Strategies and methods to promote generalization and ensure maintenance of the skill over time.
  • Example strategies:
    • Use multiple examples and varying settings for practice.
    • Involve several instructors to facilitate learning with different people.
    • Introduce novel objects to test generalization.

6. Data Collection Procedures

  • Methods of recording progress for the target skill and frequency of data collection.
  • Example:
    • Discrete trial teaching might specify a per opportunity measure for data collection.
    • Total task chaining might specify task analysis data collection.

7. Mastery Criteria

  • Defines the level at which a target skill is considered mastered.
    • Specifies a level of accuracy and the timeframe for demonstrating the skill.
  • Example criteria:
    • 90% accuracy for two consecutive sessions.
    • 100% accuracy for critical skills (e.g., swallowing pills).
    • 80% accuracy considered sufficient for leisure skills (e.g., kicking a ball).

Arranging Components on a Skill Acquisition Program Sheet

  1. Target Skill
  2. Operational Definition
  3. Teaching Steps
  4. Teaching Procedures
  5. Generalization Procedures
  6. Data Collection Procedures
  7. Mastery Criteria

Guidelines for Running Skill Acquisition Programs

  1. Be Prepared:
    • Review the skill acquisition program prior to teaching.
    • Discuss with supervisor and practice implementation.
  2. Be Consistent:
    • Follow the written procedures carefully.
    • Avoid making changes without supervisor approval.
  3. Report Concerns:
    • Bring up any issues with the supervisor for guidance.

Summary

  • A skill acquisition program is a written description of a target skill and related teaching procedures.
  • Key components include: target skill, operational definition, teaching steps, teaching procedures, generalization and maintenance procedures, data collection procedures, and mastery criteria.
  • Guidelines emphasize preparation, consistency, and communication with supervisors to ensure effective implementation of the programs.