Which of the following best describes Shaping?

Shaping is a behavioral technique used in educational settings to build new behaviors by reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior. The essence of shaping involves observing the current behavior of a student and then providing reinforcement for behaviors that are increasingly closer to the desired target behavior. This gradual process allows students to make progress at their own pace and encourages them to improve by celebrating smaller achievements along the way. By focusing on behaviors that are closer to the target, educators can effectively guide students toward the final goal without expecting them to implement the complete desired behavior all at once.

This method is particularly beneficial for students with exceptional needs, as it allows for individualized instruction tailored to each student's unique learning trajectory. It enhances motivation and builds confidence as students experience success with each step they take toward mastering the desired behavior.