the three primary components of discrete trial teaching

2 min read 23-02-2025

the three primary components of discrete trial teaching

Discrete trial training (DTT) is a structured behavioral teaching method effective for teaching new skills. It breaks down learning into small, manageable steps. This article will explore the three primary components of DTT: the antecedent, the response, and the consequence. Understanding these components is crucial for effective implementation.

1. The Antecedent: Setting the Stage for Success

The antecedent is the instruction or cue given before the desired behavior is requested. It's the setup that prepares the learner for what's coming next. Think of it as setting the stage for success. Effective antecedents are clear, concise, and unambiguous. They should leave no room for misinterpretation.

Types of Antecedents

Verbal Instructions: Simple, direct commands like "Touch red," "Say your name," or "Point to the car."
Visual Cues: Using pictures, objects, or gestures to guide the learner. For example, showing a picture of a red apple before asking "What's this?"
Physical Prompts: Providing gentle guidance, such as hand-over-hand assistance. This is used less frequently as the learner progresses.

It's important to consistently use the same antecedent for a specific skill. This consistency helps the learner associate the antecedent with the desired response.

2. The Response: The Learner's Action

The response is the learner's reaction to the antecedent. It's the behavior the teacher is trying to elicit. The response can take many forms:

Verbal: Saying a word, answering a question, or singing a song.
Motor: Pointing, grasping, writing, or performing a physical action.
Behavioral: Following a rule, complying with a request, or exhibiting a desired social behavior.

A clear and concise antecedent ensures the learner understands the expected response. The teacher observes and records the learner's response. This allows for precise data collection on the learner's progress and informs adjustments to the teaching strategy.

3. The Consequence: Reinforcement and Feedback

The consequence is what happens after the learner's response. This is the crucial part where learning is reinforced or corrected. The goal is to increase the likelihood of the desired behavior recurring in the future.

Types of Consequences

Reinforcement: This is a positive consequence that increases the likelihood of the desired behavior being repeated. It could be praise, a small toy, a preferred activity, or even a simple "Good job!"
Corrective Feedback: This is provided when the response is incorrect. It's not about punishment, but about gently guiding the learner toward the correct response. It might involve re-teaching the skill, providing additional prompts, or clarifying instructions.

Consistency in delivering both reinforcement and corrective feedback is crucial for successful DTT. Immediate feedback helps the learner understand what was right or wrong and facilitates learning. The type and frequency of reinforcement should be adjusted based on the individual learner's needs and preferences.

Putting it All Together: An Example of DTT in Action

Imagine teaching a child to identify colors.

Antecedent: The teacher presents a red block and says, "Point to red."
Response: The child points to the red block.
Consequence: The teacher praises the child, saying, "Great job! You pointed to red!"

If the child points to the wrong block, the teacher provides corrective feedback, such as, "That's blue. Let's try again. Point to red." and then re-presents the antecedent.

Conclusion

The three components—antecedent, response, and consequence—work together seamlessly in DTT. By understanding and effectively using each component, educators and therapists can create a structured and successful learning environment for individuals with various learning needs. Remember to maintain consistency, adapt to individual needs, and use data to track progress. This approach provides a strong foundation for learning and skill development.