What method involves teaching the steps of a skill one at a time, in the same order as they naturally occur?

Forward chaining is a teaching method where the steps of a skill are taught sequentially, starting with the first step and then moving to the next in the natural order they occur. This approach is effective because it helps learners grasp each component of the skill systematically, allowing them to build confidence and understanding as they progress through each step.

By teaching in this manner, the learner gains mastery of the initial steps before moving on to subsequent steps, reinforcing the learning process and ensuring that foundational knowledge is solid before advancing. This method is particularly beneficial for skills that can be broken down into distinct, linear steps, as it mimics the natural progression of how these skills are typically performed in real-life situations.

In contrast, backward chaining would begin instruction at the last step of the task, while total task chaining involves teaching the entire task simultaneously, and task analysis refers to the process of breaking down a skill into smaller, manageable components, rather than the method of teaching them.