What is the term used to describe the phase of instruction where a new behavior is first introduced and learned?

The term that describes the phase of instruction where a new behavior is first introduced and learned is acquisition. During the acquisition phase, learners are exposed to the new behavior, and they begin to understand what is being taught. This phase involves intense practice and the use of reinforcement to encourage the learner to master the new skill.

During acquisition, the focus is on teaching the behavior through various strategies, such as modeling, prompting, or direct instruction. It's important to monitor progress during this time to determine if the learner can reliably use the behavior in different contexts or situations as the teaching continues. This phase is critical because the foundation laid during acquisition influences how well the behavior will be retained and utilized in the future.

Other phases like maintenance, fluency, and generalization come into play after acquisition; maintenance refers to retaining the behavior over time, fluency involves the speed and accuracy of the behavior, and generalization indicates the ability to apply the learned behavior across different settings or situations. Each of these subsequent phases is crucial for ensuring that the behavior is not only learned but can also be sustained and utilized effectively.