A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF A TRAIN-THE-TRAINERS MODEL FOR TRAININGEDUCATION STAFF TO ASSEMBLE ADAPTIVE SWITCHES

We evaluated a train-the-trainers program for training education staff to assemble adaptive switch mechanisms. The adaptive switches were de signed to assist persons with severe mental and physical handicaps in operating various electrical apparata. In Phase 1, a five-step trainin g program (written and verbal instructions, modeling, performance prac tice and feedback) was used to train four teachers to assemble an adap tive switch. Also in Phase 1 social validity data were collected which supported the importance of adaptive switches for persons with severe physical impairment, as well as the need to train switch assembly ski lls to human service personnel. In Phase 2, the four teachers used the same five-step training program to train 22 teacher assistants to ass emble an adaptive switch. Acceptability measures indicated that traini ng was well received by the teachers (trainers) and assistants (traine es), and time efficiency measures indicated an average of less than tw o hours of training time was necessary for every two trainees. Effects of the training program were replicated in Phase 3 with two staff fro m another school. Results of the program are discussed in regard to us ing a train-the-trainers model as a means of upgrading staff skills, a nd helping reduce the gap between educational technology presented in the professional literature and that reflected in routine service sett ings.