Development of celeration-based instructional software that teaches sequelic intraverbal behavior.

The present paper describes a program of research to develop, test and refine a prototype of computer-based instructional (CBI) software that teaches a sequelic intraverbal repertoire efficiently and effectively. Significant educational implications arise from any verbal behavior research that both sheds light on how an intraverbal repertoire can be changed, and which simultaneously leads to a teaching technology that rapidly brings about high fluency. The present research centers around an engineering effort to do just that, beginning with a computer-based analogue of precision teaching SAFMEDS, a method of teaching using flashcards in precisely timed and recorded sessions. Programmed in BASIC, the software has five principal features. First, it presents verbal stimuli and accepts student input of intraverbal responses in brief, two-minute timings. Second, it presents immediate consequences after each response as well as after each timing period. Third, it cycles each student through a series of timings in every session. Fourth, it records various frequency data and computes measures of celeration. And fifth, it determines progress toward and attainment of fluency aims. Frequency and celeration data are presented that illustrate the rapid attainment of fluency in four different kinds of intraverbal \u27subject matters.\u27 Based on early results, original plans for a self-corrective component of the software were modified. Changes to consequences in terms of adding postcedent supplementary stimulation appear to be a promising direction that the research could take. Overall effectiveness of the software is evaluated, and suggestions are made for further extensions