What is a primary feature of Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)?

Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) is characterized by its structured approach to teaching and its emphasis on specificity in response and reinforcement. In DTT, each learning opportunity is broken down into small, manageable components. The teacher provides a clear instruction or prompt, the learner responds, and then specific reinforcement is given based on the correctness of that response. This direct and straightforward format allows for consistent tracking of progress and facilitates the understanding of what behaviors are being reinforced.

This method promotes skill acquisition by ensuring that the learner knows exactly what behavior is being rewarded, making it easier for them to understand the cause-and-effect relationship between their actions and the reinforcement they receive. The clarity and systematic nature of DTT not only helps in teaching new skills but also in generalizing these skills to different contexts. The focus on precision and clarity in both responses and reinforcement is a defining feature that sets DTT apart from other instructional methods.