Feedback isn’t a critique of you as a person—it’s the engine that drives your growth as a Behavior Technician (BT). In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we rely on Behavioral Skills Training (BST) to ensure staff implement behavior plans with precision. Here’s how to embrace feedback at every stage of BST—and turn each comment into a stepping stone for excellence.
1. Understand the Four Steps of BST
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Instruction: Your supervisor explains what the skill is, why it matters, and when (and when not) to use it.
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Modeling: You watch the supervisor—or a video—demonstrate the skill in a real‑life session.
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Role‑Play: You practice the skill yourself, ideally in the same setting where you’ll apply it. Data on correct vs. incorrect steps are recorded.
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Feedback: You receive immediate, specific praise for correct steps—and corrective guidance for missteps, including verbal explanation and re‑modeling.
Why It Works: Decades of research show BST’s four steps reliably improve staff performance—and, in turn, learner outcomes.
2. Seek—and Celebrate—Positive Feedback
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Be Specific: When your supervisor praises you, look beyond “good job.” If they say, “You delivered that prompt with perfect timing,” relish the detail and repeat it next time.
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Build on Strengths: Positive feedback highlights what to keep doing. Notice your patterns—if you’re consistently praised for smooth transitions, use that to anchor other parts of the session.
3. Embrace Corrective Feedback as a Growth Tool
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Listen Actively: Corrective feedback isn’t criticism—it’s a chance to zero in on exactly what to tweak.
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Ask Clarifying Questions: “Can you show me again where my prompt faded too quickly?” deepens your understanding.
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Practice Right Away: After feedback, jump back into role‑play or real sessions to rehearse the adjustment—BST’s research says immediate practice cements new skills.
4. Normalize Feedback—Make It Part of Your Routine
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Schedule Check‑Ins: Weekly or even daily micro‑sessions with your supervisor ensure small issues get fixed before they become big ones.
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Track Your Goals: Set short‑term targets (e.g., “Deliver 5 consecutive independent mands today”) and long‑term aims (“90% prompt fidelity by month’s end”). Regular progress checks keep you honest and motivated.
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Self‑Reflect: After each session, jot down one thing you did well and one area for improvement. Bring these notes to your next feedback meeting.
5. Cultivate a Feedback‑Friendly Mindset
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Detach Emotionally: Remember—feedback is about your performance, not your worth.
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Adopt a Learner’s Stance: Approach each comment with curiosity: “What can I learn here?”
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Celebrate Small Wins: Every corrected prompt, every smooth data collection, is progress. Acknowledge and reward yourself.
In Conclusion
Responding effectively to feedback is a skill in itself—one that directly impacts your fidelity to ABA protocols and, ultimately, your learners’ success. By leaning into the Instruction → Modeling → Role‑Play → Feedback cycle of BST, seeking clarity, practicing immediately, and setting measurable goals, you’ll transform every piece of feedback into a milestone on your path to becoming a truly exceptional Behavior Technician.
Action Step: After your next session, ask your supervisor for one specific piece of positive feedback and one precise suggestion for improvement. Then, role‑play that suggestion right away. Small steps, big impact!