Backward chaining
A chaining procedure that teaches the last step first while the teacher completes the earlier steps, then adds earlier steps one at a time in reverse order.
In backward chaining, teaching starts at the end of the task analysis. The RBT completes, or fully prompts, every step except the final one, and the learner performs the final step and receives reinforcement. Once the last step is mastered, the learner is taught the second-to-last step and then completes the final step independently, and so on, until the learner performs the whole chain.
The main advantage is that the learner completes the task and contacts the natural reinforcer, such as a finished puzzle, a zipped coat or a snack, on every teaching trial. The steps learned so far are always performed right before that reinforcer, which strengthens them.
Backward chaining suits tasks with a clear, reinforcing end, such as putting on clothing, completing a puzzle or making a snack. A drawback is that the learner watches or is guided through many steps at the start, which can take time.
The RBT follows the plan's sequence, does not skip ahead to earlier steps before mastery, and records performance on each step.
Example and non-example
| Example | When teaching a child to put on a jacket, the RBT puts the jacket on, starts the zipper and pulls it most of the way, and the child pulls the zipper to the top and gets praise. Later the child is taught to pull it from the bottom. |
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| Non-example | The child is taught to pick up the jacket first, and only after mastering that step learns to put in the first arm. Teaching in the order of the steps is forward chaining. |
Don't confuse it with
| Forward chaining | Forward chaining teaches the first step first; backward chaining teaches the last step first. |
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Test yourself
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Question 1An RBT completes every step of putting on a T-shirt for a child except the last one, pulling the shirt down at the waist. The child does that step and then gets praise and playtime. Which procedure is this?
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C: Backward chaining. Backward chaining has the learner complete the final step first, with the earlier steps done or fully prompted, so each attempt ends with a finished task and reinforcement.
- A: Forward chaining teaches the first step first, not the last.
- B: In total task chaining the child would attempt every step each time.
- D: Graduated guidance is a physical prompting method, not a way of ordering steps in a chain.
Task C.5 · 40-hour curriculum section E
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Question 2What is a main advantage of backward chaining?
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D: Each trial ends with the learner finishing the task. Because the learner always performs the last step, every trial ends in contact with the terminal reinforcer, the finished task plus any planned reinforcement.
- A: Practicing every step each session is total task chaining.
- B: Teaching the first step first is forward chaining.
- C: Earlier steps are still done or prompted by the instructor in backward chaining.
Task C.5 · 40-hour curriculum section E
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Question 3Using backward chaining for making a bed, a client has met criterion on the last step, placing the pillow. Which step is taught next?
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A: The second-to-last step, then the last. Backward chaining adds steps in reverse order: once the last step meets criterion, the learner does the second-to-last and last steps, and so on until the whole chain is learned.
- B: Starting from the first step is forward chaining.
- C: Teaching every step together is total task chaining.
- D: The last step has met criterion, so the chain moves back one step.
Task C.5 · 40-hour curriculum section E
Answer every question to see your score.
On the RBT exam
This term belongs to task C.5 Task analysis and chaining in content area C, Behavior Acquisition, which is 19 of the 75 scored questions.