Scaling Up Behavioral Skills Training: Effectiveness of Large-Scale and Multiskill Trainings

We used behavioral skills training (BST) to teach multiple skills to 2 cohorts of 18 participants. BST consisted of the standard 4 components: (a) didactic instruction, (b) modeling, (c) role-play, and (d) feedback, modified to be delivered in a large-group format. All components were provided by 1 trainer, simultaneously to all participants, with peers delivering feedback during role-plays. Across 4 targeted skills (e.g., discrete-trial teaching), the average performance of Cohort 1 improved from less than 60% correct implementation in baseline to a performance of between 85% and 100% correct, across participants, following BST. We used social validity data collected from Cohort 1 to modify the length of instruction across skills for Cohort 2. BST was similarly effective for Cohort 2, with a decrease in the additional training required for trainees to demonstrate the skill in a novel role-play scenario or with a client. Implications for effectively scaling up BST are discussed.