ABA glossary
Discrete-trial teaching
Also called DTT, discrete trial training
Definition
An adult-led teaching method that presents a skill in brief, repeated trials, each with a clear start and finish: an instruction (SD), sometimes a prompt, the learner's response, a consequence, and a short intertrial interval.
In plain words
DTT breaks teaching into many short learning opportunities. Each trial starts with a clear instruction, gives the learner a chance to respond, and ends with reinforcement for a correct response or a planned error correction. A brief pause follows so the teacher can record data and reset materials. Because each trial is short, a learner can practice a skill many times in a session, which builds new skills quickly. DTT is usually done at a table but can happen anywhere.
Example from a session
The RBT sits across from Ivy with three pictures on the table and says, "Touch dog" (SD). Ivy touches the dog (response), and the RBT says "Yes, dog!" and gives a token (consequence). The RBT records a plus, rearranges the pictures during a 3-second intertrial interval, and starts the next trial. When Ivy touches the cat, the RBT uses the error correction written in the program.
For BCBA candidates and supervisors
Analysts make DTT effective by individualizing the SD, prompting and fading plans, reinforcement, intertrial intervals (short ITIs often help), and the mix of mastered and new targets (interspersal). They also plan for generalization from the start, because skills learned in tightly controlled trials may not transfer to natural settings; combining DTT with naturalistic teaching is common. Trial-based procedures suit restricted operants and fast acquisition, while free-operant arrangements fit behavior that should occur whenever the learner chooses.
Often confused with natural environment teaching, incidental teaching
DTT is adult-led: the teacher picks the target, materials, and timing, and repeats trials. Natural environment teaching and incidental teaching follow the learner's interests and use routine activities and natural consequences; incidental teaching starts when the learner initiates. Both use the same principles of reinforcement and prompting.
Exam tip
Know the trial parts in order: SD, (prompt), response, consequence, intertrial interval. If the stem has the teacher start the trial with a set instruction, it is DTT; if the learner's initiation starts the opportunity, it is incidental teaching.
Can you spot discrete-trial teaching in a scenario?
Practice RBT C.3 with exam-style questions and instant feedback.