Backwards chaining is a teaching method used in AppliedApplied means that the behaviors targeted for change in... BehaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living o... Analysis (ABA) where a multi-step task is taught by starting with the last step of the task first. The instructor completes all the initial steps for the learner, and the learner is required to complete only the final step. Once the final step is mastered, the next-to-last step is taught, and so on, until the individual can perform the entire sequence independently. This method provides immediate reinforcementReinforcement is a fundamental concept in Applied Behavior A... by allowing the learner to complete the task successfully, which helps build confidence and competence.
Example
A behavior analyst is teaching a child named Sam how to tie his shoes. Using backwards chaining, the analyst first performs all the steps leading up to the last part of the task, which is pulling the loops tight to secure the knot. Sam is then prompted to complete this last step. Once Sam masters pulling the loops tight, the analyst moves to teaching the second-to-last step: creating the loops. After mastering that, Sam is taught to cross the laces, and so on, until he can tie his shoes independently from start to finish.
Forwards ChainingForwards chaining is a teaching method used in Applied Behav..., Total Task ChainingA behavior analyst is teaching a child named John how to was..., Behavior ChainA behavior chain is a series of individual behaviors that ar...