Fading

Official title: Prompt fading

Building independence over time

Goal

Learner independence!

How

Gradually reduce the amount of assistance provided to allow the learner to be more independent in completing the skill. This is usually done over time, but the rate is different learner by learner and skill by skill. Here, we’ve illustrated one way to reduce prompts over time, but this may look different for your learner.

Context

Use this strategy when teaching a new skill. When learners are consistently following along with your guidance of how to do the skill, it’s time to start fading. Our goal is always for learners to be as independent as possible.

Tip

When providing assistance, try to limit the amount of verbal prompting (or instructing) you are providing, as learners may become dependent on these. Instead, try using visuals, gestures, and teaching by showing.

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