Texas PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities) Practice Test

Which strategy is effective for teaching a new skill or behavior by using reinforcement for incremental steps toward a goal?

1. Designing appropriately challenging tasks

2. Incorporating real-world applications

3. Promoting ongoing communication to enhance parental involvement in student learning

4. Offering student choices

The correct answer is: Promoting ongoing communication to enhance parental involvement in student learning

The most effective strategy for teaching a new skill or behavior by using reinforcement for incremental steps toward a goal is promoting ongoing communication to enhance parental involvement in student learning. This approach ensures that parents are actively engaged in their child's education, which can reinforce the learning process at home and encourage the practice of new skills consistently. When parents understand the goals and methods being used in the classroom, they can reinforce those behaviors outside of school, providing additional support and motivation for the student as they progress through each step. While the other strategies can contribute positively to learning, they do not specifically target the use of reinforcement for incremental progress in the same way. Designing appropriately challenging tasks can help maintain student engagement but may not directly utilize reinforcement. Incorporating real-world applications is beneficial for relevance but doesn't focus on incremental reinforcement. Offering student choices promotes autonomy and interest but does not inherently involve the concept of incremental reinforcement toward a particular goal.