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Forum References FAQ's Quiz Lecture Introduction Forum References FAQ's Quiz Lecture Introduction Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How should I determine when to use forward or backward chaining?

A: Forward chaining is used when a student does not demonstrate a desired behavior and the focus needs to be on teaching that skill in small incremental steps each one building on the other. Backward chaining is used when a student must be reinforced immediately for a completed task. The task is then structured in succeeding back-to-front steps so that a student is reinforced for the completed process.

Q: If backward chaining does not work should I switch to forward chaining and vice versa?

A: Although both techniques are described as chaining, they do not necessarily correlate with each other. A careful look at the data should help the team decide if another approach is needed to teach a behavior and what that approach is. Decisions on changing teaching techniques should not be made without careful team discussions.