Direct Instruction Response Locus Analysis
Direct Instruction (DI) was invented and developed by Zig Engelmann as way to teach any skill. The first DI programs focused on teaching reading, writing, and math. In 1991, Engelmann and Carnine published “Theory of Instruction: Principles and Applications” (revised edition, 2016). While DI is known for its development of 100s of core academic subjects using what they called a stimulus-locus analysis, an often overlooked topic was on how to teach responses – the response-locus analysis.
Recently Doug Carnine further expanded the response locus analysis to include not only motor responses like tying a shoe or riding a bike but also repertoires of motor responses called motor habits. His interest was in helping people develop mindfully kind responses – mindful kindness.
To quote from the Theory of Instruction book (p.299): “The response-locus analysis now comes into play because we must teach the learner how to produce the response. This process is slow, requiring many, many trials. The focus of this teaching is on the production of the motor response (doing a backward somersault in the air), not on verbal discriminations.”
Our approach to teaching individuals how to manage very challenging behaviors (responses) is based on this approach.
*Zig Engelmann passed away in Eugene, Oregon on Feb 15, 2019. He was both my mentor and dear friend and is sorely missed.
Recently Doug Carnine further expanded the response locus analysis to include not only motor responses like tying a shoe or riding a bike but also repertoires of motor responses called motor habits. His interest was in helping people develop mindfully kind responses – mindful kindness.
To quote from the Theory of Instruction book (p.299): “The response-locus analysis now comes into play because we must teach the learner how to produce the response. This process is slow, requiring many, many trials. The focus of this teaching is on the production of the motor response (doing a backward somersault in the air), not on verbal discriminations.”
Our approach to teaching individuals how to manage very challenging behaviors (responses) is based on this approach.
*Zig Engelmann passed away in Eugene, Oregon on Feb 15, 2019. He was both my mentor and dear friend and is sorely missed.