Remote training of educators in Taiwan to disseminate discrete trial training for students with developmental disabilities
Corresponding Author
Ning Chen
University of Houston – Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
Correspondence
Ning Chen.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorDorothea C. Lerman
University of Houston – Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Ning Chen
University of Houston – Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
Correspondence
Ning Chen.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorDorothea C. Lerman
University of Houston – Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Educators in many areas of the world lack the necessary resources and training to serve students with developmental disabilities effectively. Telehealth technologies and a train-the-trainer approach may help disseminate evidence-based instructional strategies to teachers in underserved areas. In this study, experimenters combined synchronous and asynchronous remote training to prepare six teachers in Taiwan to implement discrete trial training (DTT) with students. First, the experimenter taught three teachers from a private school to implement DTT with their students. Then, they trained these participants to teach another educator at their school. Finally, the three teachers trained those additional educators. Results indicated that the training was effective for all participants and that the DTT skills of the three trainers maintained over time and transferred to their in-classroom instruction. These findings replicate and extend the current literature suggesting that the use of telehealth and a train-the-trainer model is a promising and socially valid method for disseminating ABA to countries with limited resources.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Open Research
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
REFERENCES
- Brock, M. E., & Anderson, E. J. (2021). Training paraprofessionals who work with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities: What does the research say? Psychology in the Schools, 58(4), 702–722. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22386
- Campanaro, A. M., & Vladescu, J. C. (2023). Using computer-based instruction to teach implementation of discrete trial instruction: A replication and extension. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16(1), 307–311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-022-00731-7
- Campanaro, A. M., Vladescu, J. C., DeBar, R. M., Deshais, M. A., & Manente, C. J. (2023). Using computer-based instruction to teach implementation of behavioral skills training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56(1), 241–257. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.962
- Chien, I. C., Lin, C. H., Chou, Y. J., & Chou, P. (2011). Prevalence and incidence of autism spectrum disorders among national health insurance enrollees in Taiwan from 1996 to 2005. Journal of Child Neurology, 26(7), 830–834. https://doi.org/10.1177/0883073810393964
- Erath, T. G., DiGennaro Reed, F. D., Sundermeyer, H. W., Brand, D., Novak, M. D., Harbison, M. J., & Shears, R. (2020). Enhancing the training integrity of human service staff using pyramidal behavioral skills training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(1), 449–464. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.608
- Fallon, L. M., Collier-Meek, M. A., Maggin, D. M., Sanetti, L. M., & Johnson, A. H. (2015). Is performance feedback for educators an evidence-based practice? A systematic review and evaluation based on single-case research. Exceptional Children, 81(2), 227–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/0014402914551738
- Fang, C. J., Weinberg, S. L., & Patten, K. (2022). A comparison of the participation levels of Taiwanese children with autism spectrum disorders in inclusive vs. segregated settings. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 26(12), 1178–1191. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1777332
- Frieder, J. E., Peterson, S. M., Woodward, J., Crane, J., & Garner, M. (2009). Teleconsultation in school settings: Linking classroom teachers and behavior analysts through web-based technology. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2(2), 32–39. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391746
- Geiger, K. B., LeBlanc, L. A., Hubik, K., Jenkins, S. R., & Carr, J. E. (2018). Live training versus e-learning to teach implementation of listener response programs. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51(2), 220–235. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.444
- Haight, W., Kayama, M., Ku, M. L. M., Cho, M., & Lee, H. Y. (2016). Perspectives of elementary school educators in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the US on disability, stigmatization and children's developing self Part 1: Defining the problem in cultural context. Children and Youth Services Review, 70, 214–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.09.022
- Higbee, T. S., Aporta, A. P., Resende, A., Nogueira, M., Goyos, C., & Pollard, J. S. (2016). Interactive computer training to teach discrete-trial instruction to undergraduates and special educators in Brazil: A replication and extension. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49(4), 780–793. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.329
- Hursh, D. E., Schumaker, J. B., Fawcett, S. B., & Sherman, J. A. (2000). A comparison of the effects of written versus direct instructions on the application of four behavior change processes. Education & Treatment of Children, 455–464. https://www.jstor.org/stable/42899633
- Kayama, M., Haight, W., Kincaid, T., & Evans, K. (2015). Local implementation of disability policies for “high incidence” disabilities at public schools in Japan and the US. Children and Youth Services Review, 52, 34–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.02.009
- Lee, J. F., Schieltz, K. M., Suess, A. N., Wacker, D. P., Romani, P. W., Lindgren, S. D., Kopelman, T. G., & Dalmau, Y. C. P. (2015). Guidelines for developing telehealth services and troubleshooting problems with telehealth technology when coaching parents to conduct functional analyses and functional communication training in their homes. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 8(2), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-014-0031-2
- Lerman, D. C., Hawkins, L., Hillman, C., Shireman, M., & Nissen, M. A. (2015). Adults with autism spectrum disorder as behavior technicians for young children with autism: Outcomes of a behavioral skills training program. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48(2), 233–256. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.196
- Lerman, D. C., Luck, K. M., Smothermon, S., Zey, B. A., Custer, T., & Smith, L. D. (2020). Training of paraprofessionals by their classroom teachers: A descriptive evaluation of pyramidal training outcomes. Journal of Behavioral Education, 29(4), 675–698. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-019-09341-w
- Lerman, D. C., Tetreault, A., Hovanetz, A., Strobel, M., & Garro, J. (2008). Further evaluation of a brief, intensive teacher-training model. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41(2), 243–248. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2008.41-243
- Lerman, D. C., Valentino, A. L., & LeBlanc, L. A. (2016). Discrete trial training. In R. Lang, T. Hancock, & N. Singh (Eds.), Early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder. Evidence-based practices in behavioral Health. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30925-5_3
10.1007/978-3-319-30925-5_3 Google Scholar
- Neely, L., Rispoli, M., Boles, M., Morin, K., Gregori, E., Ninci, J., & Hagan-Burke, S. (2019). Interventionist acquisition of incidental teaching using pyramidal training via telehealth. Behavior Modification, 43(5), 711–733. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445518781770
- Parsons, M. B., Rollyson, J. H., & Reid, D. H. (2012). Evidence-based staff training: A guide for practitioners. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 5(2), 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391819
- Parsons, M. B., Rollyson, J. H., & Reid, D. H. (2013). Teaching practitioners to conduct behavioral skills training: A pyramidal approach for training multiple human service staff. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 6(2), 4–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391798
- Pence, S. T., Peter, C. C. S., & Giles, A. F. (2014). Teacher acquisition of functional analysis methods using pyramidal training. Journal of Behavioral Education, 23(1), 132–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-013-9182-4
10.1007/s10864-013-9182-4 Google Scholar
- Reo, J. A., & Mercer, V. S. (2004). Effects of live, videotaped, or written instruction on learning an upper-extremity exercise program. Physical Therapy, 84(7), 622–633. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/84.7.622
- Sarokoff, R. A., & Sturmey, P. (2004). The effects of behavioral skills training on staff implementation of discrete-trial teaching. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37(4), 535–538. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2004.37-535
- Sivaraman, M., & Fahmie, T. A. (2020). A systematic review of cultural adaptations in the global application of ABA-based telehealth services. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(4), 1838–1855. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.763
- Smith, T. (2001). Discrete trial training in the treatment of autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 16(2), 86–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/108835760101600204
10.1177/108835760101600204 Google Scholar
- Standish, C. M., Lambert, J. M., Copeland, B. A., Bailey, K. M., Banerjee, I., & Lamers, M. E. (2021). Partially automated training for implementing, summarizing, and interpreting trial-based functional analyses. Journal of Behavioral Education, 32(2), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-021-09456-z
- Tomlinson, S. R., Gore, N., & McGill, P. (2018). Training individuals to implement applied behavior analytic procedures via telehealth: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Behavioral Education, 27(2), 172–222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-018-9292-0
- Tsami, L., Lerman, D., & Toper-Korkmaz, O. (2019). Effectiveness and acceptability of parent training via telehealth among families around the world. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 52(4), 1113–1129. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.645
- Tsami, L., Nguyen, J. T., Alphonso, N., Lerman, D., Matteucci, M., & Chen, N. (2023). Outcomes and acceptability of telehealth-based coaching for caregivers in Asian countries. Behavior Modification, 47(2), 297–323. https://doi.org/10.1177/01454455221113560
- van Vonderen, A., Didden, R., & Beeking, F. (2012). Effectiveness of instruction and video feedback on staff's trainer behavior during one-to-one training with children with severe intellectual disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 33(1), 283–290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2011.07.040
- Vladescu, J. C., Mery, J. N., Marano-Frezza, K. E., Breeman, S. L., Campanaro, A. M., & Naudé, G. P. (2022). Comparing video modeling and computer-based instruction to teach preference assessment implementation. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 42(1), 56–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/01608061.2021.1965940
- Wu, Y. C., Chen, P. Y., Tsai, S. P., Tsai, S. F., Chou, Y. C., & Chiu, C. Y. (2019). The effects of the class-wide function-related intervention teams on behaviors of an elementary student with autism spectrum disorder in an inclusive classroom in Taiwan. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 65(5), 368–377. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2019.1647031
- Zhu, J., Hua, Y., & Yuan, C. (2020). Effects of remote performance feedback on procedural integrity of early intensive behavioral intervention programs in China. Journal of Behavioral Education, 29(2), 339–353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-020-09380-8