backward chaining
A teaching procedure that begins instruction with the last step of a task sequence and progressively adds earlier steps.
Full Definition
Backward chaining is a systematic teaching strategy that breaks complex tasks into component steps and begins instruction with the final step in the sequence. The learner initially receives assistance with all steps except the last one, which they complete independently. As competency develops, instruction moves backward through the sequence, with the learner completing increasingly more steps independently while still finishing with the final step they learned first. This approach is particularly effective because it allows learners to experience the natural reinforcement of task completion from the beginning of training. Backward chaining is commonly used for teaching daily living skills, academic tasks, and vocational behaviors where task completion provides inherent motivation.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with general chaining procedures; specifically refers to the reverse sequence approach starting with the final step.
In Context
- "Backward chaining was selected to teach shoe-tying because the child could experience immediate success with task completion." — Special education program plan
- "The data showed faster acquisition when using backward chaining compared to forward chaining for this complex sequence." — Comparative intervention study