Single-subject research is a rigorous, scientific methodology used to define basic principles of behavior and establish evidence-based practices. A long and productive history exists in which single-subject research has provided useful information for the field of special education (Kennedy, in press; Odom & Strain, 2002: Tawney & Gast, 1984; Wolery & Dunlap, 2001). Since the methodology was first operationalized over 40 years ago (Sidman, 1960), single-subject research has proven particularly relevant for defining educational practices at the level of the individual learner.
Single-subject designs may involve only one participant, but typically include multiple participants (e.g., 3 to 8) in a single study. Each participant serves as his or her own control. Performance prior to intervention is compared to performance during and/or after intervention. In most cases a research participant is an individual, but it is possible for each participant to be a group whose performance generates a single score per measurement period (e.g., the rate of problem behavior performed by all children within a classroom during a 20 min period).
Please state whether you agree with the bolded statement, explain why or why not, and include why you would or would not want to use this research methodology with the students with special needs that you work with.
I would agree with the bolded statement as a research methodology when working with students with special needs. A single-subject based approach would be particularly relevant because the needs of each student vary so greatly. I believe that this approach also will allow you to discover which ways your students learn best as well as discovering/determining the most appropriate accommodations that will be needed for them. The single-subject research approach will help you to also get to know each student individually more which will build a stronger teacher/student bond. By utilizing this approach you can group students effectively as well because you may learn that many students have many similarities whether it be personal similarites or even response to certain stimuli in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the bolded statement. In special education every child is different and therefore learns differently as well. By using a single subject method you will be able to better identify the areas where the child needs more assistance. This allows you to make individualized accommodations for the child. Although this method seems like it could be time consuming, I would use it if I was working with students with special needs. This would allow me to get to know my student and provide them with the best possible education.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the bolded statement stating that single-subject research is relevant. We, as special education teachers, must complete Individual Education Plans, with the stress being on the individual. Every individual is a product of different circumstances, yet there may be some cross-over with different individuals exhibiting the same behaviors or having similar problems with certain aspects of school. Knowing what worked with even one individual may assist you in helping your own students. I would like to use this methodology with students. It would allow you to get to know each student so that you may find many ways to help them succeed. Finding what motivates individuals comes from knowing those individuals. This methodology aligns with what would make a significant impact on students in special education.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the bolded statement. Special education is individualized. Each student is different and learns differently. The children in special education have different goals and you are working on different aspects of the curriculum per that child. When you use a single subject research method you will be able to see their child's strengths and areas of improvement. I would use this methodology in the classroom because it would help with data collection and finding the student's areas of strengths and improvements. I think this would be a great approach for identifying behaviors and what motivates and triggers a child. This would be beneficial for special education students.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the statement because, from my experience, each student learns at a different rate and with different strategies. Doing research to find out how that student learns best is essential to providing the best education for that student. If we do not research how the student learns best and we assume every student learns the same way, then they might as well be in a general education classroom where it is expected to pick up the information just like all the other students in that class. Special education students have an IEP for a reason and teaching to their needs is what will work best. That can be achieved through single subject research.
ReplyDeletewould I use this In my classroom? Yes. It is a great way to learn about each student and how he/she learns best. We cannot learn about students if we do not gather information and test strategies to see what works and does not work. Also, by doing single-subject research, we may find something that doesn't work solely for one student but could be used for a few.
DeleteI agree with the bolded statement. Special education students require an individualized learning plan, and conducting research on how to meet their needs is essential. It is important to find out each individual student's strengths, weaknesses, and what motivates them. With that stated, the single-subject research approach can be very time consuming if you were to do it with each student in your classroom, or each student on your caseload. As a special education teacher, I would probably start by using best practices in my classroom. If there were specific students that the overall methods typically used were not working for, I would then us a single-subject approach to find ways to further meet the student's individual needs.
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