ERIC Number: EJ819937
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Dec
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1547-0350
EISSN: N/A
Effectiveness of Discrete Trial Teaching with Preschool Students with Developmental Disabilities
Downs, Andrew; Downs, Robyn Conley; Fossum, Michelle; Rau, Kathryn
Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, v43 n4 p443-453 Dec 2008
There is a great need to identify instructional methods that effectively promote positive skill development in young children with developmental disabilities. This 2-year longitudinal study evaluated the practicality and effectiveness of two delivery models of providing Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) to children with developmental disabilities within an existing public preschool program. At baseline all participants demonstrated significant developmental delay in several areas of functioning (communication, motor skills, language, social/adaptive behavior, and cognition). In year 1 of the intervention each participant received DTT in three 10-15-minute intervals each school day. In year 2 participants received DTT in one 30-45-minute interval each school day. Participants who were exposed to both delivery models acquired new skills significantly faster and learned more in year 2, suggesting greater instructional efficiency and effectiveness when DTT was provided in one longer session. The results indicated that DTT has the potential to be used practically and effectively within existing public preschool programs to positively impact the learning and development of young children with developmental disabilities. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. (Contains 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Intervals, Preschool Education, Developmental Disabilities, Young Children, Adjustment (to Environment), Outcomes of Treatment, Developmental Delays, Methods, Skill Development, Teaching Methods, Longitudinal Studies, Public Schools, Cognitive Restructuring, Language Acquisition
Division on Developmental Disabilities, Council for Exceptional Children. DDD, P.O. Box 3512, Fayetteville, AR 72702. Tel: 479-575-3326; Fax: 479-575-6676; Web site: http://www.dddcec.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A