Supervisors commonly use feedback to teach staff members to implement behavioral interventions. However, few studies have evaluated methods to teach supervisors to provide effective feedback. We used a multiple-baseline design to evaluate the use of video modeling with voice-over instruction to train 4 supervisors to provide performance feedback to a confederate therapist implementing a guided-compliance procedure. We assessed supervisors' accuracy with implementing 8 feedback component skills during scripted role-plays before and after video modeling. We also assessed the extent to which supervisors' skills generalized when providing feedback to a confederate therapist implementing novel behavioral procedures (i.e., discrete-trial training and mand training) and an actual therapist implementing the guided-compliance procedure with a child with autism. All supervisors mastered the feedback component skills following video modeling. Overall, the results of the current study suggest that video modeling may be an efficacious and efficient method to train supervisors.

Abrupt discontinuation of functional communication training can cause resurgence of challenging behavior. Teaching multiple alternative responses in sequence (serial training) may reduce resurgence, relative to teaching a single alternative. However, previous evaluations of serial training included a different number of response options across comparison conditions. In Experiment 1, we varied both training type (single and serial) and number of response options, and replicated previous findings showing that more resurgence occurred following single training relative to serial training. In Experiment 2, we varied the training type while holding the number of alternative responses constant and obtained no consistent differences in resurgence. In Experiment 3, we varied the number of alternative responses while holding training type constant (i.e., single). More resurgence occurred in the condition with fewer response options, suggesting that the number of available alternative responses, and not explicit serial training of alternatives, was critical to outcomes.

Researchers have used multicomponent behavioral skills training packages including written and verbal instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback when teaching caregivers to implement pediatric feeding treatment protocols (e.g., Anderson & McMillan, 2001; Seiverling et al., 2012). Some investigators have shown that fewer behavioral skills training components may be necessary for effective training (e.g., Mueller et al., 2003; Pangborn et al., 2013). We examined the use of in‐vivo feedback following written instructions to train caregivers to implement pediatric feeding treatment protocols using a multiple baseline design across 3 caregiver dyads. Correct implementation of the feeding treatment procedures was low during baseline (written instructions only), increased with only the addition of in‐vivo feedback, and remained high during follow‐up sessions for all caregivers. Results are discussed in terms of clinical implications and caregiver satisfaction.

On Eagles' Wings Therapeutic Horsemanship CenterAlthough in-vivo behavioral skills training (BST) is often effective, it may be too resourceintensive for organizations that rely on volunteers. Alternatives to in-vivo BST include video models or interactive computer training (ICT), but the utility of these procedures for training volunteers remains largely unknown. We used a randomized control trial to teach multiple skills to new volunteers at a therapeutic riding center. A total of 60 volunteers were assigned to one of three groups using block randomization. Depending on group assignment, volunteers received instructions and modeling through in-vivo interactions, a video model, or ICT. All volunteers completed in-vivo role plays with feedback. Skills were measured by unblinded observers during role plays. There were no statistically significant differences in accuracy of role-play performance between volunteers in the in-vivo BST and ICT groups, but both outperformed the videomodel group. The ICT and video model required statistically significantly less time from a live instructor than did in-vivo training. Thus, although in-vivo BST remains best practice, ICT may be a viable alternative when training resources are limited.

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