Methods in Training Adaptive Behavior Skills for Children Labeled "Moderately Mentally Retarded"
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Date
2005-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study is aimed at investigating the methods used in training adaptive behavior skills
to children labeled "moderately mentally retarded" at Sebste Negassi and Belay Zeleke
no. 2 primary schools special units.
The subjects of this study are thirty one children (17 boys and 14 girls) with moderate
mental retardation and four teachers (two from each unit) who have special education
training to teach children with disabilities (including those with mental retardation).Both
were selected using purposive sampling method. Three data collection instruments were
used -interview, document analysis and observation checklist. In order to analyze the
data both qualitative and quantitative analysis were used.
The result showed that teachers at both special units use different methods to train these
children to function independently in attaining the abilities of self-care, communication,
motor, personaClsocial andfunctional academics. Examples of the methods used were task
analysis,modeling\demonstration,prompting(verbal and physical)question and answer
method ,providing different examples with in the children's experience,etc.
The result also showed that the children's level of functioning after the trallung on
adaptive behavior skill areas mentioned earlier given has showed a significant
improvement. Moreover the result showed that teachers face problems in teaching these
children because of their uncooperativeness, restlessness, absenteeism, lack of teaching
aids and lack of support from parents in encouraging their children practice the skills
they are trained of at home.
This study concluded that the training on adaptive behavior skill areas has made the
children jimction independently, and the methods that are used have helped in presenting
the lesson in a way the concepts could be grasped by the children.
At last this study recommended that support from parents of children with mental
retardation is mandatory in the teaching and learning process.
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Keywords
Adaptive Behavior Skills for Children