What is Peer Mediated Instruction?
Peer Mediated Instruction is an evidence-based practice that is used mainly to teach kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) socially appropriate behavior. By implementing Peer Mediated Instruction a learning opportunity is created for social interactions between kids with ASD and neurotypical individuals (Husk, 2017). This is not only beneficial for kids with ASD but their neurotypical counter parts as well, by having this exposure of working with others with disabilities. Peer Mediated Instruction is done by implementing peer modeling, exposing outcomes to social situations, and the use of differential reinforcement.
Correlation of Behavior & Consequence
By having a peer model this can expose outcomes to novel experiences that the client has not gone through yet. This is beneficial in creating a correlation of engaging in target behavior that will result in a potential consequence. Individualized services have been known for using peer modeling. For some clientele, a negative experience can be previously established between an authority figure, such as a teacher, parent/caretaker or any adult that holds or could hold authority. By incorporating a peer model, this can be an effective alternative to teach skills without triggering a potential altering factor, resulting in a positive factor associated with learning and developing skills. Another aspect to consider is perspective, this is very important and is typically a deficit with kids diagnosed with ASD. Peer mediated instruction allows the individual a more relatable model.
Differential Reinforcement
Lastly, with the use of differential reinforcement this will further the correlation of consequences with new and novel experiences. This will assist in teaching social norms and expectations while also providing a model who the client can relate to more efficiently. Learning and obtaining necessary social, daily living, and communication skills for clients with ASD, gives them the opportunity to function within society and thrive within their lives. ABA utilizes peer mediated instruction to enhance all these skills and allow for the client to have access to different learning opportunities and resources.
Works Cited
What is peer-mediated instruction and intervention?. Applied Behavioral Analysis | How to Become an Applied Behavior Analyst. (2021, August 17). https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/what-is-peer-mediated-instruction-and-intervention-in-the-context-of-applied-behavior-analysis/
Husk, A. (2017, September 13). Using peer mediated instruction as a strategy for teaching students with autism spectrum disorders. T. https://ttac.odu.edu/autism/using-peer-mediated-instruction-as-a-strategy-for-teaching-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorders/
