What is the main focus of backward chaining in teaching a behavioral chain?

Backward chaining is a teaching strategy used to teach behavioral chains by focusing on the steps in the sequence from the last step to the first. In this method, the instructor begins with the final step of the task and provides prompts for the preceding steps, gradually allowing the learner to perform the entire sequence independently.

By starting with the last step, the learner experiences a sense of accomplishment immediately after completing the entire task, which can be motivating. This approach helps to establish a clear connection between the action they perform and the outcome. Over time, as the learner becomes proficient with the last step, the instructor introduces prompts for the next-to-last step, then the step before that, and so on, until the learner is able to perform the entire chain independently.

In contrast, teaching all steps simultaneously or starting from the first step can be overwhelming and may not provide the learner with immediate reinforcement. Prompting the entire chain except for the first step does not align with the backward chaining approach, as it does not focus on ending with a completed task that the learner is capable of executing independently. Thus, prompting the entire chain except for the last step accurately reflects the principles of backward chaining, highlighting its effectiveness in teaching complex skills and routines.