ABA Glossary

By Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA
Edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D
ABA Glossary by Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA, edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D

Discrete-trial teaching (DTT)

A structured, table-top, 5-component ABA procedure during which specific skills are broken down into small teachable units and taught to a pre-determined mastery criteria.

5th Edition Task List

G-9  Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.

6th Edition TCO

G.13 Design and evaluate trial-based and free-operant procedures.

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  • Mass trial
    A procedure in discrete-trial teaching during which the same learning trial (SD) for an acquisition skill is presented several times in a row.
  • Inter-trial interval
    In discrete-trial teaching, this is the period (approximately 5 seconds) that comes between the consequence and the next SD, indicating the end of one trial and the forthcoming trial.
  • Incidental teaching
    A free-operant teaching methodology that takes place in a free-time setting, during which the child’s natural initiations are treated as learning opportunities to expand on the child’s current skill set.
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    A teaching methodology in which the SD is part of the natural environment, and responding doesn’t depend on a directive, prompt, or SD presented by a trainer. Appropriate behaviors are…
  • Free-operant behavior
    A response class that is free to occur and can occur at any time because it is not bound by the control of SDs or prompts.
  • Expanded trial
    A procedure in discrete-trial teaching during which mastered targets are presented as distractors alongside currently targeted SDs.
  • Block trial
    A procedure in discrete-trial teaching during which different learning trials (SDs) are presented in blocks, which are gradually reduced in size contingent upon correct responding until the stimuli are presented…
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