Training Special Education Teachers in Physical Therapy Techniques by Means of Programed Demonstrations

Abstract

A method was evaluated for coordinating the efforts of the classroom teacher and the physical therapist in two phases of physical therapy: (a) inspection of therapeutic equipment, and (b) methods of facilitating locomotion. Programed demonstrations were provided for 20 student teachers in two groups; one group received programed instruction in methods of locomotion used by physically handicapped children; the other group received programed instruction in the inspection and adjustment of therapeutic equipment. Judges observed and recorded locomotion behavior of the children and inspecting behavior of the student teachers to determine whether training had transferred to the orthopedic classroom. Predictions about the effect of the program on inspection and adjustment of therapeutic equipment were sustained. The methods of locomotion program did not produce the predicted classroom behavior differences.