Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Chapter 2 Different Learning Styles: Individualizing Assessment Strategies

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. What Is the Goal of Partners in Play (PIP)? The goal for any infant or toddler assessment is to elicit the child’s best performance!

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Outcome Is Dependent on Interplay Between: child, family, examiner activityenvironment

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. These Considerations Have a Degree of Changeability! Examples: Child? (alert; hungry; positioning) Family? (proximity to child; language) Examiner? (therapeutic use of self; expertise) Task? (toy selection; appeal; skill difficulty) Environment? (familiarity; setup; lighting)

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Role of Observation The evaluation team must be attentive to the process and the end product and make subtle adjustments as needed throughout the course of the assessment. The goal is to support and elicit the best performance!

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Linked to Intervention Information about “how” a child completes a task and/or which teaching-learning strategies were most effective provides valuable intervention information for the family and for future goal-setting.

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Teaching-Learning Strategies Examples include: praise and positive feedback role of imitation and modeling responses frequent rest breaks following child’s interests and desires practice and repetition visual and/or auditory cues

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Alert and Attentive Partner with families to determine the optimal conditions for their child: Daily schedules for eating, sleeping, and playing? Favorite positions for playing? Investigate the child’s sensory preferences and their impact on behavior. Check on medical conditions that may impact performance—for example, ear infections.

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Guidelines for Eliciting Optimal Arousal Behaviors and Activity Levels Activities that incorporate slow, repetitive movement are generally calming (rocking, stroking). Activities that incorporate fast, irregular movement may have a stimulating effect (bouncing, quick movements). Oral-motor input is highly organizing to individual. Utilize frequent rest and snack breaks. Understand “sensory overload” issues and increase or decrease auditory and/or visual distractions. Therapeutic use of self or persona should match temperament of child.

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Helpful Hints for Modifying Activities Break down an activity into a sequence of steps and document the successful completion of each step. Add or subtract sensory information. Be comfortable with trial and error and alternate methods for achieving success! Provide visual, auditory, and physical prompts to facilitate success.

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Clinical Judgment Begin to understand the collective wisdom about a particular disability or condition and compare the available knowledge with your own personal and professional experience that values the individual, respects diversity, and integrates multicultural considerations.

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Describe Adaptations Based on Specific Learner Characteristics Short attention span? Hyperactive? Sensitive to sensory stimulation? Uncoordinated? Motor impairments?

Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Helpful Suggestions for Novice Examiners Completely familiarize yourself with all facets of the PIP so that you can vary the sequence and timing of events. This is especially important for establishing rapport during family interviews. Be attentive to a child’s interests and desires and modify your approach as appropriate. Observe! Observe! Observe!