The Benefits of Errorless Learning

As a special education teacher, it can be difficult to differentiate for all your students’ needs in a meaningful way. During a small group lesson, some students may require more support with emotional regulation, while others may need multiple repetitions on any given academic skill. I began using errorless learning strategies when I realized that my students needed more feedback than I was able to provide within my small group. The goal is for this to be a short-term teaching strategy before the student begins to master the content. Of course, in special education, we know that this sometimes takes time and that all students learn at their own rate. Later in the month, I will have a post sharing about how to reduce the scaffolds that you provide to your students. 

Vignettes that demonstrate effective uses of errorless learning

Multiple repetitions

I worked with a student for three years. Over the course of those three years, we practiced numbers and letters and other “pre-academic” skills consistently. By the time this student was in 3rd grade, it did not necessarily feel appropriate to spend so much instructional time on these basic skills. I wanted them to have opportunities to engage in the academic content her peers were engaging in also. In addition to modifying this student’s work, continuing to work on important foundational skills, and using classroom accommodations, we also used errorless learning resources to supplement. While their peers were working on multiplication, the student could also complete multiplication activities, but their activities were errorless, thus giving the student exposure and practice with equations and products in the correct format. This student felt more connected to their classroom and their peers while also feeling comfortable with the workload. 

Building confidence

I consulted with a parent who shared that their child felt anxious about completing grade-level assignments. The student would often not answer any of the questions because they had fear about getting a wrong answer. With the use of errorless materials, the student was able to build their confidence while they worked toward completing work independently.

Instant feedback

There was a period of time in which I had 8 students in a small math group who all had extremely different needs. When I was working with a smaller group of students on a more specific concept, I would provide errorless learning resources to the other students. This way, students were practicing the assigned concept correctly and had instant feedback on their work. When they worked with me, they were better able to complete work independently without using these resources. 

Resources

Need errorless learning resources? I have several options already created! Click the links below to see more!

Addition with Dominoes - with Errorless Learning Option!

Addition with Dice - with Errorless Learning Option!

Addition and Subtraction within 10 - with Errorless Learning Option!

Donut Addition within 10 - with Errorless Learning Option!

Candle Addition within 10 - with Errorless Learning Option!
Candy Addition within 10 - with Errorless Learning Option!

Addition within 20 Flashcards with Errorless Learning Option

Addition within 10 - with Errorless Learning Option!

Subtraction within 10 - with Errorless Learning Option!

Common and Proper Nouns with Errorless Learning Option!

Odd and Even Number Activities - with Errorless Learning Option!

Alphabet Matching with Errorless Activity Option

Hundreds Chart with Blanks - with Errorless Learning Option!

Division Practice - With Errorless Learning Option!

Multiplication Fact Practice - With Errorless Learning Option!

Counting and Number-Matching with Errorless Learning Option!