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Functional mediators

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​​Functional mediators are cues or prompts that are used to teach a new skill/behavior and can be easily transferred across different settings where the skill/behavior is used. This assists the student in being able to generalise his/her learning. For example, teaching the student to use a quiet voice using a rules card (functional mediator) in the classroom and using the same rule card (functional mediator) in the library.

The 4 types of functional mediators are described as:

  • physical stimuli (such as rules cards across settings)
  • social stimuli (such as peers who are in both settings and can provide peer mediated intervention. See the peer mediated intervention factsheet.
  • self-mediated physical stimuli (such as a self-monitoring sheet). See the self-management factsheet.
  • self-mediated verbal stimuli (such as the student reminding themselves of the rules and consequences before going into a new environment).

Using the strategy​

Plannin​​g

  • Identify the behaviour/skill to teach. This would be a skill or behaviour that applies to multiple contexts e.g. quiet voice inside, walking feet. Spend time observing what behaviours student/s find difficult to remember. Are these behaviours used in different contexts at school?
  • Select the functional mediator. This has to be transportable from context to context (e.g. rule card, peer).

Implementation

  • Using the functional mediator (e.g. rule card – quiet voice) teach the behaviour in the classroom.
  • Reinforce the student’s behaviour with specific praise (e.g. Jordan, you are following the rule card quiet voice. Great job).
  • Take the functional mediator to the new environment (e.g. library). Show this to the student.
  • Immediately reinforce the student as soon he/she engages in the desired behaviour/skill (e.g. Jordan, you are following the rule card quiet voice. Great job).

Age group

This is appropriate for the following age groups:​

  • preschool
  • P–2
  • 3–6
  • high school.

Learn more

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Last updated 10 November 2023