Which evidence-based strategy is based on structured, repeated trials and prompts to teach specific skills?

Which evidence-based strategy is based on structured, repeated trials and prompts to teach specific skills?

• A. Applied Behavioral Analysis
• B. Universal Design for Learning
• C. Pivotal Response Treatment
• D. Discrete Trial Training

Answer: (D)

Structured, repeated practice with clear prompts and immediate feedback is the hallmark of Discrete Trial Training. In this approach, instruction is broken into small, discrete trials: start with a clear antecedent or instruction, expect a specific response, and provide a defined consequence that reinforces correct performance. Prompts guide the learner toward the correct response, and those prompts are faded over time so the learner achieves independence. The trial-by-trial format makes it easy to collect precise data on progress toward mastery for particular skills. Applied Behavioral Analysis is the broader framework that includes DTT as one method among many. Universal Design for Learning focuses on making instruction accessible in multiple ways rather than using fixed, trial-based prompts. Pivotal Response Treatment is a naturalistic ABA approach that emphasizes motivation and broad skills in less structured settings, rather than the tightly sequenced, discrete-trial format.

Structured, repeated practice with clear prompts and immediate feedback is the hallmark of Discrete Trial Training. In this approach, instruction is broken into small, discrete trials: start with a clear antecedent or instruction, expect a specific response, and provide a defined consequence that reinforces correct performance. Prompts guide the learner toward the correct response, and those prompts are faded over time so the learner achieves independence. The trial-by-trial format makes it easy to collect precise data on progress toward mastery for particular skills.

Applied Behavioral Analysis is the broader framework that includes DTT as one method among many. Universal Design for Learning focuses on making instruction accessible in multiple ways rather than using fixed, trial-based prompts. Pivotal Response Treatment is a naturalistic ABA approach that emphasizes motivation and broad skills in less structured settings, rather than the tightly sequenced, discrete-trial format.