Developing Curricula for Errorless Learning: A Search for Order in an Unorderly World

Described is the application of error-free learning to the education of severely retarded and multiply handicapped children (infancy through middle school years). It is explained that two projects at the University of Kentucky (Programmed Environments and Telecommunications for the Severely Handicapped) focus on a programed environment in which the children's interactions with automated learning devices and with adults are arranged to increase the probability of correct responses. Data in the form of graphs and tables are presented for selected children's performance on programs to establish stimulus control, build a simple response repertoire, select reinforcers, and improve basic reading and math skills. In each example, problems in the development of errorless programs and resulting modifications are noted. (CL)