Which method involves rewarding a student for gradually achieving approximation of a desired behavior?

Shaping is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on reinforcing successive approximations toward a desired behavior. This method is ideal for teaching complex behaviors that cannot be immediately performed by a student. Through shaping, the teacher starts by rewarding any behavior that is in the direction of the desired behavior. As the student gets closer to the target behavior, only the closer approximations are rewarded, encouraging the student to refine their behavior incrementally.

In contrast, modeling involves demonstrating the desired behavior for students to imitate, which does not necessarily include the gradual reinforcement aspect that shaping emphasizes. Increasing attempts focuses more on the frequency of attempts rather than the quality or correctness of the behavior being shaped. Positive reinforcement is a broader term that applies to rewarding any desired behavior, but shaping specifically describes the gradual approach and reinforcement of successive approximations. This process allows students to learn step-by-step, building confidence and understanding as they refine their skills.