1.  Training: The Visual Tracking Protocol Summarized from Greer & Ross’s Verbal Behavior Analysis (2008)

2. When to Use this Protocol  The visual tracking protocol is used when students do not attain the 5 basic attentional repertoires (sit, sit still, look at me, do this, and do this as generalized imitation) after two days of instructional sessions. OR  Used for children who are having difficulty mastering matching instruction

3. Materials Needed:  3 identical semi-opaque containers such as cups or baskets  Target student’s preferred items (edibles, tokens, toys, etc.)

4. Procedure:  On the table, place a preferred item under one of two containers while the student watches. If necessary, prompt the student to look before the first few learn units.  Say, “Find the (item)” and wait 2-3 seconds for a response.  A correct response is marked if the student looks at the stimulus during the rotations, looks at the container as they pick it up, picks up the target container, then takes the item (which is also their reinforcement).  An incorrect response is marked if the student does not look under the target container and/or does not take the item. Ignore incorrect responses.

5. Procedure (Continued):  Proceed through short-term objectives as follows:  STO 1: Do not rotate containers  STO 2: Rotate containers once or twice  STO 3: Increase to two or three rotations.  For subsequent short-term objectives, increase the rate of rotations, and the number of rotations and containers, and proceed as in prior short term objectives

6. When is the LTO Achieved?  The LTO is achieved when the student can select the correct container from three, rapidly rotated containers with 80% accuracy across 2 consecutive 20-trial sessions.  Compare the number of learn units to criterion for instructional programs before and after the visual tracking program to identify changes in responding.

7. Any questions?  If you have any questions, feel free to ask.  The visual tracking protocol is discussed in more detail in Ross & Greer’s Verbal Behavior Analysis (2008). Let me know if you’d like to borrow a copy!