Systematic Instruction Strategies and Techniques

Course Code: REL-IDD-GHA-SIST

Hours: 1.25

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2029

Learning Objectives:
Describe how to approach a learning experience for an individual, including preparation and planning for instruction.
Explain why direct support staff need to be proficient in teaching skills and routines through systematic instruction.
Describe at least three instructional techniques to use if natural learning experiences are not enough for an individual to learn a task or skill.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction to Systematic Instruction

Karen’s Experience with Grocery Shopping

Faulty Assumptions Can Limit Opportunities

Systematic Instruction

Effective Teaching

Knowledge Check

A Second Look at an “Easy” Job

Identifying What to Teach

Understanding the Learning Environment

Pause and Reflect

The Learning Plan

Sofia’s Success

Key Takeaways

Section 2: How to Teach Using Systematic Instruction

The Goal of Systematic Instruction

Identifying the “Natural Trainer”

Supporting the “Natural Trainer”

DSP’s Role in Teaching

Knowledge Check

Les and Lawn Mowing

Task Modification Strategies

Advice to Mary

Key Takeaways

Section 3: Systematic Instruction Strategies

Strategies for Using Systematic Instruction

Break Down Tasks Into Teachable Steps

Create An Errorless Learning Environment

Use Time Delay

Knowledge Check

Use Prompting

Develop Instructional Assists

Steps to Teaching

Important Terms to Remember

Key Takeaways

Section 4: Reinforcement and Motivation in Systematic Instruction

Motivation vs. Skills Acquisition

Reinforcement

Misconceptions about Reinforcement

Identifying Reinforcers

Natural Reinforcers

Increasing the Reinforcement Schedule

Options for Increasing the Reinforcement Schedule

No News Is Good News

Fading Reinforcers

Lola’s Motivation

Key Takeaways

Section 5: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributors

Resources

References

Subject Matter Expert: Beth Keeton, MS

Beth Keeton is the Executive Director of Griffin-Hammis Associates. For the last 20 years, Beth has provided extensive training and technical assistance on systems change, customized employment, self-employment, systematic instruction, and benefits analysis. She developed the first national certification training curriculum for customized self-employment, collaborated with the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center on the development of Core Features of Quality Supported Employment, helped pioneer the creation and use of the three Customized Employment Fidelity Scales, and is currently service the Principle Investigator on a five-year innovative self-employment training initiative funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Beth co-wrote Navigating Government Benefits & Employment: A Guidebook for Veterans with Disabilities and is a co-author of Making Self-Employment Work for People with Disabilities. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Oregon in 1996. 

Editor: Jessica Edwards, BS, QIDP

Jessica is a SME Writer at Relias. Her primary writing responsibilities are in the Health and Human Services vertical, in the content area of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science, with a concentration in Disability Studies and Human Development, from Stony Brook University. She has over eight years of experience serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their supporters, including roles as a direct support professional, case manager, and qualified professional. Her experiences and coursework over the years have allowed her to develop a strong knowledge of person-centered planning and care, community resources, and service delivery.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Direct Support Professionals; in the following settings: Intellectual Developmental Disabilities.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.