What approach is used to teach skills in a natural setting rather than an artificial one?

The approach known as naturalistic teaching procedures emphasizes the importance of teaching skills in real-life, natural settings rather than structured, artificial environments. This method aligns with principles of applied behavior analysis by integrating learning opportunities within everyday activities and interactions, which enhances the relevance and generalization of the skills being taught.

Naturalistic teaching procedures focus on meaningful contexts where learners can apply their skills in typical situations they will encounter outside of a teaching scenario. For instance, if a child is learning to order food, a naturalistic approach would involve practicing this within an actual restaurant rather than in a contrived setting.

This method not only promotes engagement but also helps in maintaining motivation as learners can see the practical application of what they are learning. By contrasting this approach with techniques like behavior chaining or discrete trial training, which are more structured and controlled, it's clear that naturalistic teaching provides a more holistic and applicable learning experience rooted in everyday life.