If a student is making steady progress but has not mastered a skill, what action is recommended?

When a student is making steady progress but has not yet mastered a skill, continuing to reinforce correct responses is essential. Reinforcement serves as a crucial component of behavior analysis, as it strengthens the likelihood that the desired behavior will occur again in the future. By maintaining reinforcement, you encourage the student to keep attempting the skill, which can lead to mastery over time.

Reinforcing correct responses helps to build motivation and confidence in the student. It acknowledges their efforts and progress, which is vital in fostering a positive learning environment. If the student is making steady progress, it indicates that the current strategy is effective; thus, maintaining the reinforcement system supports further advancement toward mastery.

Shifting to another skill or reducing practice may disrupt the progress the student has made, and stopping reinforcement could lead to a decline in motivation and engagement. Therefore, continuing to provide reinforcement aligns with best practices in behavior analysis, ensuring that the student remains focused and encouraged as they work toward mastering the skill.