What type of instruction combines academic and functional skills in a natural setting?

Community-based instruction is an educational approach that integrates academic learning with functional skills within authentic environments. This method focuses on teaching students practical skills that they will need in everyday life, such as social interactions, navigation, and problem-solving, by engaging them directly in community settings. For instance, students might practice math skills by budgeting for a grocery shopping trip or enhance their communication skills through interactions with local business staff. This context-rich learning helps students transfer their knowledge and skills effectively from the classroom to real-world scenarios, making it a dynamic and relevant approach to education for individuals with special needs.

The other instructional types do not emphasize this dual focus in natural settings. Self-contained classroom instruction typically occurs in a more isolated environment, where functional skills may not be integrated with academic subjects in a community context. Technology-enhanced learning and virtual classroom simulations focus primarily on digital learning environments and may not provide the same level of real-life application or community involvement.