Lesson COG 13
Task: Work for tokens.
Prerequisites: ADT 1, ADT 4
Concept: A sometimes overused but still useful programmatic concept is using tokens such as poker chips or charts with symbols to reinforce or acknowledge successful accomplishments. This activity can serve to begin the process of abstract thought be-cause the real reward is delayed until a certain amount of tokens are earned. This concept can he used later to introduce money-use skills. This particular lesson must be done in conjunction with some other lesson on which the student is working. Successful performance in the other lesson should result in the student receiving tokens.
Behavioral Objective: When the student performs a specific learning task, he or she will receive some indicator such as a sticker or token, as a consequence for successful performance. He or she will use that indicator to acquire some reward when he or she has acquired at least three indicators to a 90% accuracy level for 20 trials.
Materials: Tokens or stickers on a poster and the materials necessary for the other program (sec notes in the concept section).
Task Analysis:
1. Work with the student on the other identified lesson, providing positive verbal reinforcement for successful efforts.
2. Add to Step 1 the presentation of a token or sticker when providing the positive reinforcement.
3. Continuing the concept of Step 2, gradually reduce the verbal reinforcement until only the token aspect is used.
4. Continue Step 3, pausing before presenting the token and attempt to deter-mine if the student is anticipating the token. A positive result would be the perception that the student anticipates the token and continues to work on the other lesson'• objective.
5. Although Step 4 meets the stated objective, it is important to reintroduce positive verbal reinforcement and to cash in the tokens for something of value. The number of items needed to meet criteria to cash in will depend on the perceived abilities of the student, but no more than three tokens should be the initial target for receiving a reward.