Essential Reading
Read this detailed guide from Jigsaw Training on Prompting and Fading. The document introduces key concepts, strategies, and practical examples for implementing and fading prompts in ABA practice:
Essential Video
Watch this video from Hacking Behavior Analysis. It provides an overview of prompting, prompt fading, and errorless learning:
Optional Reading
In this supervision meeting, Dinah (an RBT) asks her BCBA supervisor Susan about prompt fading within Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT). This dialogue highlights the use of data and mastery criteria to determine when and how to fade prompts:
Dinah: Hi Susan! I have a question about prompt fading. I’ve been learning about Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and how prompts are used, but I’m curious about how you know when to fade prompts. Can you guide me on that?
Susan: Absolutely, Dinah! Fading prompts in DTT requires using data and mastery criteria to make informed decisions. By collecting and analyzing data, we can determine when a learner is ready for prompt fading.
Dinah: That sounds interesting. Can you explain more about using data and mastery criteria to decide when to fade prompts?
Susan: Certainly! We collect data during teaching sessions to track the learner’s progress—specifically how often they respond correctly. We set mastery criteria beforehand—like 90% correct responses across two sessions. When the learner consistently meets that, it’s a sign they’re ready for less prompting.
Dinah: Can you give me an example of this in practice?
Susan: Sure! Once, I was teaching a child to identify familiar people by name. We started with three pictures and I used full gestural prompts. Once the child got 90% correct responses with those prompts for two sessions, I switched to fleeting gestural prompts—pointing quickly for a second. When they met mastery with fleeting prompts, we moved to no prompts, only providing reinforcement for independent responses. Eventually, they mastered the skill independently.
Dinah: That’s a very systematic approach. Thanks for explaining it, Susan!
Susan: Absolutely. Using data and mastery criteria ensures we’re fading prompts responsibly and helping the learner move toward independence.
For more insights on prompt hierarchies and fading, read this article by Christan Griffin, M.Ed., BCBA. It provides examples of how prompt fading can be structured in real-world settings.
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot to reinforce your understanding of prompt fading and when to implement it effectively:
Click for instructions on accessing and using FRED
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or open FRED directly here.
For tips on using FRED effectively, read our instructions here.
Reflection Exercise
After completing the reading, video, and conversation exercise, reflect on your learning using the prompts below. Your reflection should be:
- Between 100 and 500 words
- Written in your preferred language
- Expressed in your own words — do not copy text from chatbots, websites, or this course
Click to view Reflection Prompts & Example
Reflection Prompts (use one or more):
- Summarize Key Concepts: What is prompt fading and why is it important in ABA?
- Define in Your Own Words: How would you explain data-driven decisions for prompt fading to a colleague?
- Importance and Connections: Why is it important to avoid prompt dependency?
- Practical Applications: How might you implement prompt fading in practice?
- Insights: Did anything about prompt fading or data collection surprise you or change your approach?
Example Reflection:
I learned that prompt fading is essential for helping learners achieve independence. I used to think prompts were just supports, but now I see that leaving them in place too long can actually create dependency. The conversation about using data and mastery criteria really helped me understand when to reduce prompts. I also found it useful to learn about prompt hierarchies—this will help me plan support that fades naturally as skills grow. In the future, I’ll track data carefully to know when it’s time to fade prompts and help clients become more independent.
When you’re ready, submit your reflection below:
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