Journal 10

This is the first blog that I get to connect with what I have learned in this program with my job as an ABA Tutor! Yay so exciting! Dewey talks about the General Learning Method and Mastery. Dewey states that mastery is accomplished by the learner through becoming a master of shared experiences. Learning how to become a successful ABA Tutor has everything to do with shared experiences! Of course I was hired to work with children with autism because of my background in Psychology, but I also had to go through a few weeks of training to become a master of ABA therapy. I was given so much specific information to read on autism and how ABA therapy works. I observed the ABA supervisor, and joined in when asked. Even though I could now talk the talk and I understood the concepts, it was time for me to walk the walk. The only reason I now have a full understanding in what I am doing is because of my shared experiences with my supervisors and my kids! I would run an entire session by myself with the support from the supervisor if needed. I learned what triggered behaviors by experimenting with different techniques with the kids. That way I learned what to do and not to do after failing he first time if I caused the child to have behaviors. I learned how to use extinction not only be observing what to do with the supervisor, but actually having to deal with the behaviors without the supervisor. I learned how to take data more efficiently by readjusting my organization due to the child's reaction, or suggestions from the supervisor. I learned the most when it was just my child and I. Without all of the shared experiences with the children and the supervisor I would be able to tell you how to handle autistic behaviors, but if I was thrown into the action I would not do as well. Learning by failing, or doing something wrong has also increased my ability of doing my job well.