G.11 Shaping the Dimensions of Behavior

Shaping is a powerful teaching process in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior. Think of it as a sculptor shaping a block of stone into a beautiful work of art, guiding their creation with careful, step-by-step adjustments. Similarly, teachers guide their students towards a final goal, reinforcing each step along the way to help them master a new skill or behavior.

How to Apply Shaping in Teaching:

1. Identify and Describe the Desired Behavior: Clearly define the behavior you want to teach. For example, teaching a child to write their name.

2. Evaluate the Student's Current Level: Determine where the student currently stands in performing the desired behavior. This helps in setting realistic and achievable steps.

3. Break Down the Behavior into Steps: Outline the necessary steps to reach the final objective. Stay flexible and be ready to adapt based on the student’s performance.

4. Start Teaching and Reinforce Immediately: Begin the teaching process and provide reinforcement right away when the student attempts the behavior, even if it is not perfect.

5. Increase Expectations Gradually: As the student becomes more consistent, start to raise the criteria for what counts as a successful attempt. Focus on getting closer to the desired goal.

The key is to focus on the behavior you want to see and reinforce those small steps leading to it.

Example of Shaping in Action:

I worked with a child named Rogelio who needed to learn to write his name. We started with the first letter, "R," and reinforced his efforts. Once he mastered "R," we moved on to "O," and so on, until he could write "ROGELIO." After he learned each letter, we taught him how to arrange them in the correct order. This example shows how the shaping process can be broken down into manageable steps, reinforcing progress along the way.

Shaping can be applied to teach a variety of skills, from writing letters to more complex behaviors, such as social skills or motor movements. It is particularly useful for students who are motivated by observational learning and can be implemented in natural settings. However, it's important to remember that shaping can be a slow process and requires careful observation and reinforcement of the right approximations to avoid reinforcing undesired behaviors.

After learning the letters, you learn to arrange them.

Key Concepts in Shaping Behavior:

• Successive Approximations: These are the small steps or changes in behavior that bring the student closer to the final goal. For instance, reinforcing scribbles that gradually become more like straight lines.

• Differential Reinforcement: This involves providing reinforcement for closer approximations to the desired behavior while putting less desirable behaviors on extinction.

• Shaping Across and Within Topographies: Shaping can involve changing how a response looks (across topographies) or modifying an existing behavior (within topographies). For example, teaching a child to speak more softly or increasing the duration they engage in a specific task.

Considerations and Limitations:

While shaping is a valuable tool, it can be time-consuming and requires continuous monitoring. It is crucial to observe carefully, reinforce the correct approximations, and be mindful of not reinforcing the wrong behaviors, which could lead to undesired outcomes.

By focusing on the dimensions of behavior that can be shaped—such as topography, rate, duration, and magnitude—teachers can effectively guide their students towards achieving their behavioral goals in a structured and supportive way.

Final Thoughts: Shaping is a flexible and individualized approach that works well for teaching a wide range of behaviors. Remember to observe carefully, reinforce consistently, and adjust your strategies as needed to help your students succeed.

Advantages of modeling

• It is an effective method for teaching new or complex skills.

• It is especially useful for students who are motivated by observational learning.

• It can be used to teach skills in a natural environment.

• It can also be used to teach social skills.

Disadvantages of modeling

• It can be a slow and tedious process.

• It is important that the model is a good role model.