The Pyramid Approach to Education: An Overview 

“Teaching is not simple. There are so many decisions that we have to make to make it effective.”

Andy Bondy, PhD

Abstract 

This course introduces how the Pyramid Approach in education can be beneficial for learners with autism or related developmental disabilities. The Pyramid Approach describes how to create an effective learning environment through the applications of data collection and data analysis. It systematically implements key elements from applied behavior analysis emphasizing functional communication. At the base, the pyramid education includes functional activities, reinforcement systems, communication/social skills and inappropriate behaviors and alternatives. Top elements include generalization, creating effective lessons, specific teaching strategies and minimizing and correcting errors. 

Learning Objectives

What you’ll learn in the course and be able to do afterward 

1. List and describe the components of the Pyramid Approach to education. 

2. Describe and analyze the principles behind the Pyramid Approach.  

3. List, describe, and analyze the individual applications of the Pyramid Approach. 

• Reinforcement Systems 

• Error Correction 

• Functional Communication 

• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) 

4. Identify critical communication skills. 

5. Discuss how to construct a lesson plan that contains all of these components. 

• Generalization Strategies 

• Effective lessons 

• Discrete lessons 

• Sequential lessons 

6. Describe and analyze teaching strategies.  

• Sequential lessons 

• Risk of using prompts  

• Other teaching strategies 

Partnership

This course is delivered through Florida Tech. Clicking "Enroll Now" will take you to Florida Tech’s website where you can Add to Cart, Checkout, and complete the course. Come back to our website for podcasts, blogs, courses, and content.