SAGE Learning Lab

Have you ever worked with a client who wants to control access to all of the learning materials? Do they become upset if you try to hold on to a few of the items to promote communication opportunities or to use them as a reinforcer? Do they have restricted or rigid interests and want to play with the items in a specific way? If so, this course is for you… Shared control is essential because it is the basis for developing reciprocity and administering contingent reinforcement. There are numerous examples of shared control strategies (e.g., following the child’s lead, imitating actions, balancing turns, etc.) that can help to increase social motivation. Shared control should result in a naturally reciprocal interaction in which the adult and child have balanced turns, as research suggests that retaining too much control over an activity or object (either by the child or adult) may decrease the child’s motivation. However, it can be challenging to establish shared control of teaching materials in a way that keeps the play fun. Shared control occurs when the adult balances following the child’s lead with turn-taking (balanced turns), and adult turns are used as opportunities to embed teaching trials because the object or activity can then be used as natural reinforcement. By sharing control of the activity and material selection, adults increase learners’ motivation to participate and thus help them learn target behaviors and skills. This course is designed to teach you how to observe the child’s interest, implement the thirteen different types of shared control strategies, and troubleshoot problems that may arise when using this motivational teaching strategy. Video examples of the different teaching techniques are included to show you what the strategies look like in action.