Improving Skill Generalization


As students grow, their ability to generalize in varying situations is critical


for their healthy development and functioning in everyday life. 


Skill Generalization refers to the ability of an individual to learn certain life 


centered procedures or steps to function in a situation, but then applying the


steps learned to a new environment. The goal of caregivers and educators 


 should be giving the appropriate tools to an individual in order for them to


successfully function in life. The skills should be ingrained to the point the 


individual can recognize new situations, and the learned skills be properly


incorporated. 



Role playing in a controlled but encouraging environment is one great way to


accomplish skill generalization. The caregiver or educator guides the individual 


through a daily life process, like washing laundry or ordering a meal at a fast food 


restaurant, using clear and uncomplicated steps. Words and written instructions


are not only used, but the caregiver or educator uses pictures, objects, and 


physically walks through the process, illustrating each step. This is repeated


until the individual can complete the task successfully on their own.


The individual is then able to wash their laundry in their own home or able to order


their favorite meal at McDonalds. Skill generalization is accomplished if the individual 


can take the steps learned and wash their laundry in a new setting with a different 


washing machine or able to order a different meal at another restaurant.



References:


https://www.discoveryaba.com/aba-therapy/how-to-support-generalization-of-skills-beyond-therapy-sessions 

https://www.mastermindbehavior.com/post/how-to-foster-generalization-of-learned-skills 

https://www.transitionabilities.com/how-to-promote-skill-generalization-across-different-environments/

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