4myLearn Learning Challenge Model

Level 3: Learned Skills, Understandings, and Behaviors (Internal)

Level 3 deals with the interaction of learned behaviors and reponses to that behavior by family members, teachers, caregivers, and peers. Learned behaviors emerge as a result of interaction between the child’s biologically based motor, sensory, cognitive, and affective capabilities and sensory environmental stimuli in Level 2.

Executive Functions Skills Executive functioning captures a set of skills that are increasingly understood as the foundation for successful learning and social relationships. They enable us to work effectively with others, with distractions, and with multiple demands.
Social and Moral/Character Skills and Understandings Instrumental social skills are used to fit in and get what you need from people. They are static socially acceptable learned behaviors that use people like instruments to get our needs met by encouraging positive responses and assist in avoiding negative responses. Frequently taught by memorizing scripts. Hard to apply without framework. Social Relationship Skills are dynamic skills used when social contact with a person is the reason for the interaction. Requires perspective taking. Because of the complexity and need for full attention, relationship skills must first be learned and mastered in simple environments with a trusted mentor. Moral character understanding provides the framework for all social skills and understanding.
Adaptive Coping Coping strategies are used in threatening and challenging contexts. Adaptive coping strategies balance emotion and practical reality. They are oriented toward the future and efficient in problem solving in a manner that is resistant to stress and perceive reality without distortion.
Maladaptive Coping Maladaptive strategies to threats and challenges, are ineffective at long term problem solving, such as escape-avoidance, hostile reaction, and self blame.