What defines Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)?

Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) is characterized by its systematic and structured approach to teaching new skills, particularly for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It involves breaking down skills into smaller, more manageable components and delivering instruction in a clear, direct manner. This method is teacher-directed and involves a structured environment where clear prompts or questions are given to the learner.

In DTT, each teaching session is divided into discrete trials, which are repeated until the learner demonstrates mastery of the skill. Reinforcement is a key component of this approach, as positive reinforcement is used to encourage the desired behavior or correct response. This structured teaching method contrasts with more open-ended or child-led approaches, emphasizing the role of the instructor in guiding the learning process.

The other options describe approaches that do not align with the principles of DTT. For example, solely relying on play-based learning or allowing the child to lead with minimal guidance does not provide the structured, teacher-directed environment that defines DTT. Similarly, an unstructured setting would not facilitate the focused skill acquisition that DTT aims to achieve.