Which method focuses on immediate reward after completing a task?

Discrete trial training is a structured teaching method that is often used in the education of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. This method breaks down skills into small, manageable steps, allowing for the use of immediate rewards as positive reinforcement when a task or question is completed correctly. The immediacy of the reward is crucial because it helps the learner make a clear connection between their behavior and the reinforcement, which can significantly enhance motivation and retention of skills.

For instance, during discrete trial training, after a learner successfully responds to a prompt, they receive a reward such as verbal praise or a tangible item, reinforcing the desired behavior. This approach not only emphasizes the importance of immediate feedback but also encourages repeated practice and mastery of the skill.

In contrast, formative assessment refers to ongoing assessments that inform instruction and provide feedback to students, and summative assessment evaluates student learning at the end of an instructional period. Cognitive restructuring focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns and does not primarily involve immediate rewards in the context of task completion. These methods have different goals and applications in educational settings, making discrete trial training unique in its focus on immediate reinforcement.