In forward chaining, when is prompting reduced and independence increased?

• A. After every session.
• B. Once the learner can perform each step independently; prompts are faded.
• C. At the end of the task only.
• D. Never.

Answer: (B)

In forward chaining, you guide the learner through a task step by step, but you only reduce prompts and build independence as each step is mastered. You provide prompts to help complete the first step until the learner can do that step independently. Once independence for that step is demonstrated, you fade those prompts and shift to the next step, continuing this pattern until the entire sequence can be performed without prompts. This approach intentionally increases independence by transferring control to the learner as mastery occurs, rather than fading at fixed times or only at the very end. For example, in a multi-step task like brushing teeth, you’d ensure the first step is done independently before adding prompts for the next step, and so on, until all steps are independent.