What does Fading refer to in behavior training?

Fading in behavior training refers to the gradual process of reducing prompts or support that guide a student toward a desired behavior while still allowing the student to respond independently. This technique is particularly effective in helping students learn new skills or behaviors by initially providing significant assistance, such as physical prompts, verbal cues, or visual supports. Over time, the level of assistance is systematically decreased, which encourages the student to take more responsibility for their learning and behavior.

The essence of fading lies in its structured approach: it allows students to gain confidence and mastery in a skill while gradually shifting the responsibility for the behavior back to the student. This method supports the development of independence and self-regulation in learners, making it a valuable strategy in the context of Exceptional Student Education.