What does backward chaining involve in behavioral training?

Backward chaining is a training technique commonly used in behavioral training, where the focus is on teaching a sequence of behaviors in reverse order. The primary approach is to complete the final step in the desired behavior first, followed by prompting the preceding steps until the learner can perform the entire task independently.

When backward chaining is used, the last step of the task is taught first, and as the learner masters that step, the trainer introduces the second-to-last step, and so on, until the entire sequence is learned. This method builds confidence and success, as the learner experiences immediate reinforcement from successfully completing the final step.

Therefore, in backward chaining, every step is prompted except the last step, leading to gradual independence in performing the entire task. This approach not only reinforces the completion of each step but also highlights the importance of achieving an immediate sense of accomplishment by getting the last step right, making it a highly effective training strategy.