What is the role of verbal instructions in response prompting?

Verbal instructions serve a critical role in response prompting by guiding the learner towards making the correct response. This involves providing clear, concise, and specific verbal cues that help the learner understand what is expected of them in a given task. By using verbal instructions, educators can shape and direct the learner's behavior, which can lead to improved learning outcomes.

The emphasis on guiding indicates that these instructions are not meant to take over the learning process but rather support the learner in navigating their way toward the correct answer. This method fosters independence and encourages the learner to engage, think critically, and confirm their understanding of the task at hand.

In contrast, directing the learner completely without any actions can limit their ability to think independently. Assessing knowledge of the task or providing feedback after the response serves different purposes and occurs at different stages of learning, but the core function of verbal instructions in this context is to actively facilitate the learner's ability to respond appropriately.