The Effect of Educational Software, Video Modelling and Group Discussion on Social-Skill Acquisition Among Students...

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Special Education
• Behavioral Interventions

Background:

• Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) frequently experience challenges with social skills.
• Social skill deficits can significantly impact academic and personal development in students with IDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive intervention program on enhancing social skills acquisition.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on students with mild intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Main Methods:

• A single-subject multiple baseline design across situations was employed.
• The intervention targeted social skills for five school-age children with mild IDD within natural school settings.

Main Results:

• The intervention program, incorporating video modeling, games, group discussions, and simulations, led to increased social behaviors.
• Participants demonstrated improved social skills within their school environment.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive, interactive program effectively facilitated the acquisition and transfer of social skills, including language pragmatics and social rules.
• Group discussions and simulations proved valuable, allowing for both group and individualized instruction.