What does shaping involve in teaching practices?

Shaping is a teaching method used to encourage the development of a new behavior by reinforcing successive approximations toward the final desired result. This means that rather than waiting for a learner to achieve the exact behavior immediately, the teacher provides reinforcement for any progress that leads closer to that target behavior. By reinforcing successive attempts, it allows for incremental improvements and builds confidence in the learner, making it more likely that they will eventually reach the desired outcome.

This approach is effective because it acknowledges that learning is a process that involves many small steps, and it helps motivate the learner to keep trying rather than feeling discouraged by initial failures. It promotes an environment of progress and encouragement, which can lead to more successful learning outcomes.