ABSTRACT
Methods for Teaching a Behavior Chain The three major methods of teaching a behavior chain are the total-task presentation method, the backward-chaining method, and the forward-chaining method. With the total-task presentation method, an individual attempts all of the steps from the beginning to the end of the chain on each trial and continues with total task trials until that person learns the chain (see Figure 11.1). Prompting is provided at each step as needed, and a reinforcer follows the correct completion of the last step. Using this strategy, Steve learned to follow a consistent preputt routine. As another example, Horner and Keilitz (1975) used totaltask presentation to teach adolescents with developmental disabilities to brush their teeth.
