Module 3: Observing Modifiability During Dynamic Assessment

Modifiability is the way we describe the response to a mediated learning experience (MLE) based on our observations during a teaching session. To gauge learning potential, it is important to consider modifiability during the MLE by paying attention to social-emotional and cognitive responses. Essentially, you want to be able to describe overall responsivity and skill transfer, given examiner effort.

Examiner Effort

How much support is needed?
What is the nature of the support required?

Responsivity

Social–emotional considerations:

How comfortable is the client/patient/student during the MLE?
Do they seem enthusiastic about the task?
Are they determined to participate despite difficulty?
How do they respond to feedback during the MLE?
How attentive is the individual to the tasks presented?
Do they participate willingly?

Cognitive considerations:

Does the client/patient/student understand the task?
Are they aware of errors?
How do they respond when tasks become more difficult?
Do they demonstrate efficient learning strategies?
Do they verbalize thinking before responding to stimuli?
Do they apply strategies soon after learning them?

Dynamic assessment helps to identify a disorder within linguistic variability. Thus, it is critically important to make careful systematic observations during DA. Learn more about what to pay attention to during the MLE session and the key indicators that can guide clinical decision making.

After completing this course, learners will be able to