How to Teach Vocational Skills in Special Education

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    • 1). Explain the skill or task you will be teaching to the students. Clearly state your expectations of what you want the students to do. Use visuals such as charts, pictures, video clips and posters to help the students visualize the task.

    • 2). Model and describe proper behavior and dress at the work site. For example, if the students will work at a grocery store, show them how to interact with customers. Role play an interaction such as helping a customer find an item on the shelf. Teach the students to wear clothing that is suitable in function and appropriate in appearance.

    • 3). Present each task, one at a time, no matter how simple. Students should demonstrate understanding of each task by carrying it out independently, before you move on to new tasks.

    • 4). As a student completes each step, have her clearly state what she is doing. For example, if the task is to count and distribute change, have the student say, "I am counting your change, I owe you $1.05."

    • 5). Distribute task cards or checklists that the students can use to remember the proper steps for completing a task when they are working independently.

    • 6). Agree on a cue or a signal to use with the students to remind them to stay on task and complete the task correctly. Cues such as a hand signal or a sign allow you to communicate with the students without verbally telling him what to do.

    • 7). Provide written schedules and task lists so students are clear on expectations at the job site.

    • 8). Give students frequent opportunities to practice skills. Repetition and drill of new skills will help students remember how to carry out tasks.

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