The Role of Small Group Instruction in Facilitating Observational and Incidental Learning

Abstract

The present investigation examined the effectiveness of teaching sight-word reading in a small-group instructional arrangement to two groups of elementary-aged students with mild mental retardation. A multiple probe design across word sets was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the progressive time delay procedure and students’ acquisition of other students’ words (observational learning). In addition, students were assessed on their spelling of all sight words as well as their acquisition of word definitions although neither was taught directly (incidental learning). Results showed that (a) the delay procedure was effective in teaching all students their target words in near-errorless fashion, (b) all students learned other student’s words through observation, and (c) all students learned some incidental information by providing practice in spelling and by placing word definitions in feedback statements. Issues pertinent to small group instruction are discussed.