Incidental Teaching
Also called: naturalistic language teaching
Definition
A naturalistic teaching method in which the adult arranges the environment so the learner shows interest in something, then uses that moment to prompt a more elaborate response before providing it. The learner's own initiation is the starting point, which builds in motivation and promotes generalization.
In plain language
Wait until the learner wants something, then use that moment to teach a better way to ask before giving it. The learner starts it, which is why it works.
Example
A child reaches for a truck on a high shelf. The adult prompts "truck, please" and hands it over when the child says it.
Not incidental teaching
Sitting at a table running ten trials of "say truck." That is discrete-trial teaching.
See also
Written from
- hart-risley-1975
Written from Hart and Risley (1975). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.