What is typically not a method used in DTT?

In the context of Discrete Trial Training (DTT), child-led exploration is typically not a method employed within this framework. DTT is a structured approach that involves breaking down skills into smaller, teachable components and presenting them in discrete trials. The focus is on systematic instruction and reinforcement.

In DTT, the trainer leads the learning process, often using specific prompts and reinforcements to shape behavior and teach skills. The structured nature of DTT means that the instructor is actively guiding the child through the learning process rather than allowing the child to take the lead in their exploration. This contrast is significant, as child-led exploration emphasizes the child’s interests and natural cues, which is not a central element of DTT.

Methods such as structured skill training, focused practice of target behaviors, and even the use of unrelated reinforcers can all align with the principles of DTT, where the goal is to systematically teach and reinforce targeted skills in a controlled environment.