What key aspect does prompt fading promote in students?

Prompt fading promotes independence in performing behaviors among students. The strategy involves gradually reducing the level of support or assistance provided to a student, allowing them to perform tasks independently over time. By initially using more significant prompts or cues to guide the student, and then systematically decreasing these prompts, students learn to rely less on external help and become more autonomous in their skill execution.

This approach is essential in behavior analysis and special education because it encourages self-sufficiency, which is a critical goal in teaching students with various learning needs. As students become more capable of completing tasks without prompts, their confidence and competence in the skill increase, ultimately leading to greater independence in learning and daily living.

By contrast, other options do not align with the intended outcomes of prompt fading. Increasing dependence on teachers or promoting more frequent prompts contradicts the very purpose of this technique. Additionally, reduced skill acquisition is not a goal of prompt fading; instead, the strategy aims to enhance skill retention and mastery by fostering independent behavior.