rbt C.7 Prompting

Imagine teaching a child to ride a bike. At first, you hold the handlebars (Full Physical). Then you just hold the seat (Partial Physical). Then you just run alongside them (Visual/Modeling). Finally, you let go.

This is Prompt Fading. A prompt is training wheels for behavior. If you never take them off, the learner will never be independent.

Executive Summary

This video covers the art of Prompting. You will learn the different types of prompts (from subtle gestures to full hand-over-hand), and the two main strategies for using them: Most-to-Least (for new learners) and Least-to-Most (for fostering independence). It also covers "Errorless Learning," a technique to prevent frustration before it starts.

⏱️ Video Timeline

00:00
What is a Prompt?
An extra cue added after the instruction to help the learner answer correctly.
01:54
Hierarchies: Least-to-Most
Start with the smallest help. If they fail, give more help. Good for checking what they know.
03:55
Hierarchies: Most-to-Least
Start with maximum help (Errorless Learning). Gradually reduce help. Good for teaching brand new skills.
05:15
Types of Prompts
Positional (putting it closer), Visual (pictures), Gestural (pointing), Modeling (showing), and Verbal.

🔑 Key Insights

The Goal: To fade the prompt. If you are still prompting after 6 months, you haven't taught the skill; you've created "Prompt Dependency."
Errorless Learning: Prompting immediately (0-second delay) so the learner never practices the wrong answer.
Positional Prompts: Moving the correct item closer to the learner. This is subtle but effective.
Verbal Prompts: Be careful! These are the hardest to fade because learners listen for your voice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which prompt is the most intrusive?
A: Full Physical. You are physically controlling the learner's body (hand-over-hand).
Q: When should I use Most-to-Least?
A: When teaching a new skill or if the learner makes frequent errors. It builds confidence.

1. The Prompt Hierarchy (The Pyramid)

You must memorize the order of intrusiveness.
Independent Visual / Gesture Verbal / Model Partial Physical Full Physical Least Intrusive Most Intrusive

2. Inadvertent Prompts (Oops!)

Watch Out!

Are you giving the answer away?
- Eye Gaze: Looking at the correct card.
- Position: Leaving the correct card closer to the child.
- Voice: Saying the correct choice louder ("Do you want the APPLE or the dirt?").
These are accidents, but they ruin the data.

📝 Knowledge Check

Identify the prompt strategy.

Q1: You tell the child "Wash hands." You wait 3 seconds. They don't move. You point to the sink. They don't move. You guide their hands. What strategy is this?

Answer: Least-to-Most.
You started with the least help (verbal) and increased intrusiveness as needed.

Q2: You are teaching a new skill. You immediately use hand-over-hand to ensure they get it right the first time. What is this?

Answer: Errorless Learning (Most-to-Least).
You prevented the error by using the most intrusive prompt immediately.

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