What are the basic steps in a Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) sequence?

• A. Present SD, provide prompts if needed, have a response, then deliver reinforcement based on accuracy
• B. Reinforce first, then present SD
• C. Random prompts without SD
• D. Hide the SD and wait

Answer: (A)

In a DTT sequence, each trial follows a clear, repeatable flow: present a cue that signals the correct response, provide prompts if the learner needs help, the learner makes a response, and reinforcement is delivered based on the accuracy of that response. This structure keeps teaching deliberate and measurable.

The cue, or discriminative stimulus, sets up exactly what the learner is expected to do. If the learner doesn’t respond independently, prompts are added to guide them toward the correct response, with the aim of fading those prompts over time. After the learner responds, reinforcement is given contingent on a correct or accurate response, reinforcing the desired skill and helping to increase the likelihood of that response happening again.

This sequence emphasizes a controlled, trial-by-trial approach with a clear start and end for each interaction, which is why the option that follows this order—present SD, prompt if needed, have a response, then reinforce based on accuracy—is the best choice.

The other patterns don’t fit DTT: reinforcing before presenting the cue, using prompts without a cue, or hiding the cue and waiting for something to happen don’t create the discrete, cue-response-reinforcement loop that defines DTT.