The RoboSteamSen project (2023-1-ES01-KA220-SCH-000155379) is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

Backward chaining

Typology
Methodological
Resource description
Backward chaining is a technique used in teaching complex skills, where a task is broken down into smaller, more manageable steps. It starts by teaching the last step in the sequence, and then progressively teaches the next-to-last step, and so on, until the person is able to perform the entire task independently. This technique is especially useful for students with special educational needs (SEN), as it allows reinforcement of success in completing the task from the beginning.
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Sample of use in education with students with IDD
Description of technique:
Break the task into steps:

The task is broken down into a series of steps or actions required to complete the task. These steps should be clear and specific.
Teach the last step first:

The teacher or tutor performs all the steps except the last step, which will be executed by the learner. Upon successful completion of the last step, the learner receives positive reinforcement.
Reverse progression:

Once the learner masters the last step, the penultimate step is taught, and so on until the learner can perform the entire task independently.
Withdraw aids progressively:

As the learner learns each step, aids (physical, verbal, or visual) are removed, allowing the learner to take more responsibility for the task.
Benefits of backward chaining for students with SEN:
Immediate reinforcement: The student always completes the task successfully (by performing the last step), which increases motivation.
Reduced frustration: By focusing on only one part of the task at a time, the student is less likely to feel overwhelmed.
Promotes independence: Each step learned and completed independently reinforces the learner's autonomy.
Difficulties to which it could be applied
Emotional Regulation
  • Anxiety
  • Regulating Emotions
Executive Functioning and Flexibility
  • Short attention span
Executive Functioning and Flexibility, Learning and Cognitive Challenges
  • Organization and planning of tasks and activities
  • Time management
Learning Objetives
  • Cognitive and Behavioral Flexibility
  • Emphasize self-reliance
  • Executive functions
  • Improve Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors
  • Improving Attention and focus
  • Improving metacognition (learning to learn)
  • Learning competences
  • Organization of class structure
  • Organization of space
  • Organization of time
  • Promoting Flexibility and Adaptability