Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a highly structured, one-on-one teaching method used to teach new skills in a systematic and repetitive manner. It is a fundamental technique within applied behavior analysis (ABA) and is widely recognized for its effectiveness in teaching individuals, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The Core Components of a Discrete Trial
The method of teaching involved in DTT breaks down a skill into its smallest components and teaches each step in a highly controlled and consistent way. Each "discrete trial" is a short, distinct instructional opportunity composed of three essential parts:
- The Trainer's Presentation (Discriminative Stimulus - SD): This is the instruction or cue given by the trainer that signals the child to respond.
- Example: "Point to the red block," or "What's this?" (while holding up an apple).
- The Child's Response (R): This is the specific action or behavior the child performs in response to the trainer's presentation.
- Example: The child points to the red block, or says "apple."
- The Consequence (C): This is what happens immediately after the child's response, determining whether the behavior is likely to occur again. Consequences can be:
- Reinforcement: A positive outcome for a correct or appropriate response (e.g., verbal praise, a preferred toy, a small treat).
- Correction/Prompt: Guidance or an immediate teaching moment provided for an incorrect or absent response, often followed by re-presenting the SD.
This three-part sequence is repeated multiple times until the child masters the skill.
How a Discrete Trial Works in Practice
Here's a simplified look at the DTT sequence:
| Step | Description | Example (Teaching "Red") |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Instruction (SD) | Trainer says: "Point to red." |
| 2 | Response (R) | Child points to the red object. |
| 3 | Consequence (C) | Trainer says: "Yes, red! Good pointing!" and gives a high five. |
| 4 | Inter-Trial Interval | A brief pause before the next trial. |
If the child made an error, the consequence would be a gentle correction and perhaps a prompt to help them respond correctly, followed by another presentation of the instruction.
Why is DTT Used?
DTT is highly effective due to its structured nature and immediate feedback. It offers several key advantages for learning:
- Clarity and Consistency: Each instruction is delivered consistently, reducing ambiguity for the learner.
- Repetition: Skills are practiced many times, which helps with skill acquisition and retention.
- Immediate Feedback: Learners receive immediate reinforcement for correct responses or clear guidance for incorrect ones, helping them understand what is expected.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Progress is systematically tracked, allowing trainers to adjust teaching strategies as needed.
- Breaking Down Complex Skills: DTT excels at breaking down intricate skills (like language or social interactions) into smaller, more manageable steps, making learning less overwhelming.
Applications and Examples of DTT
DTT is commonly employed to teach a wide range of skills, particularly in early intervention programs for individuals with developmental delays.
- Language and Communication Skills:
- Identifying objects (e.g., "What is this?" while holding an apple)
- Naming colors, shapes, letters, or numbers
- Following instructions (e.g., "Clap your hands")
- Echoing words or phrases
- Social Skills:
- Making eye contact
- Greeting others
- Responding to questions
- Academic Skills:
- Matching items
- Sorting objects by category
- Learning pre-reading or pre-math concepts
- Self-Help Skills:
- Putting on clothes
- Brushing teeth (broken down into smaller steps)
For more in-depth information, you can explore resources from organizations like the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
