When initially teaching a client a new skill, how should reinforcement for correct responses be administered?

Reinforcement of correct responses should be administered continuously when initially teaching a client a new skill. This means providing immediate and consistent reinforcement every time the client successfully demonstrates the desired behavior. Continuous reinforcement helps the client clearly associate their correct responses with positive outcomes, enhancing understanding and retention of the new skill.

At the initial learning stage, individuals may depend greatly on this feedback to establish and embed the skill in their memory. It heightens motivation as the client experiences success frequently, which can encourage ongoing engagement and practice. Once the client has acquired the skill, reinforcement strategies can shift to more varied or intermittent methods, which can maintain the learned behavior over time. However, in the formative phase, continuous reinforcement is crucial for building a strong foundation.