rbt C.3 Discrete Trial Teaching

By RBThub February 23, 2026

When you think of ABA, you probably think of flashcards at a table. This is Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT).

It is structured, fast-paced, and very effective for teaching new skills. The secret to DTT isn't just repetition; it's the Cycle. Every trial has a clear beginning, middle, and end. If you mess up the cycle, the learning stops.

Executive Summary

This video provides a masterclass in Discrete Trial Training (DTT). It breaks skills down into tiny, teachable components. You will learn the 3-step cycle (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence), how to use prompts correctly, and why "Learner Preference" is critical (if they hate DTT, stop doing it!).

⏱️ Video Timeline

00:00
Learner Preference
DTT is not for everyone. Some kids thrive on structure; others find it aversive. Always adapt to the learner.
01:51
The Trial Components
SD (Instruction): Clear and concise.
Response: The learner acts.
Consequence: Reinforcement or Correction.
07:36
Reinforcement
Immediate delivery is key. Use a mix of primary (food) and secondary (praise/tokens) reinforcers.
10:01
Mastery Criteria
Typically 80-100% correct across 3 days/sessions. Data must be collected after every single trial.

🔑 Key Insights

The "Discrete" Part: Every trial has a clear Start and Stop. It is not continuous.
Inter-Trial Interval (ITI): The short pause (1-3 seconds) between trials. This resets the learner.
Prompting: "Every prompt is a learning opportunity." Don't just wait for them to fail; help them succeed.
Generalization: DTT often happens at a table. You MUST practice the skill in the "real world" later, or it doesn't count.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if the learner hates DTT?
A: Stop. Force-feeding DTT can cause trauma or regression. Switch to Naturalistic Environment Teaching (NET).
Q: How fast should I go?
A: Fast! A good DTT session has a quick rhythm to keep engagement high. Don't spend 2 minutes writing notes between trials.

1. The DTT Cycle (A-B-C)

Memorize this flow. This is 90% of your DTT session.
SD (Instruction) Response Consequence (Reward/Correct)
Example

SD: "Touch Nose."
Response: Child touches nose.
Consequence: "Great job!" (Tickle).

2. Mass Trials vs. Distractors

Mass Trial:
Repeating the same SD over and over. (e.g., "Touch Red... Touch Red... Touch Red"). Good for brand new skills.
Random Rotation:
Mixing up the SDs. (e.g., "Touch Red... Touch Blue... Clap Hands"). Good for mastery and checking if they really know it.

📝 Knowledge Check

Test your DTT skills.

Q1: What happens immediately after the Consequence?

Answer: The Inter-Trial Interval (ITI).
A short pause (1-3 seconds) to clear the slate before the next instruction.

Q2: You say "Do this" and clap. The child stares at you. What should you do?

Answer: Prompt immediately (or Correction Procedure).
Do not repeat the instruction 10 times. Help them do it, then fade the help.
▶

Acquisition Quiz

Mock Exam

Test your knowledge on DTT, Prompting, and Reinforcement.

Start Practice Test

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