Which of the following is an effective way to set up the environment to capture a student's interest?

Setting up the environment to capture a student's interest effectively involves providing access to items or activities that they already enjoy or prefer. Placing a preferred item in front of the student serves to create an immediate opportunity for engagement and stimulates motivation to interact. This method aligns well with principles of behavior analysis, which emphasize the importance of reinforcers in increasing desirable behaviors.

Offering access to a preferred item can lead to positive interactions, fostering engagement and enhancing learning opportunities. By creating an environment where the student can readily identify and interact with something they like, you are more likely to promote positive experiences and encourage participation.

The other strategies, such as starting an activity and then abruptly stopping or putting items out of reach, are less effective as they can generate frustration or disinterest. Blocking access to activities similarly hinders engagement rather than promoting it. Engaging the student through access to preferred items is a fundamental strategy in creating an enriching and responsive learning environment.