What is the purpose of prompting in forward chaining?

Prompting in forward chaining is primarily focused on guiding the learner through the initial behavior of a task chain, making option B the correct choice. In forward chaining, the learner is taught the first step of a sequence first, and prompting is utilized to help them successfully engage in that specific behavior. By providing assistance or cues, the instructor ensures that the learner understands how to initiate the task.

This approach contrasts with other options because it emphasizes starting the learning process at the beginning of the behavior chain, rather than requiring completion of the entire task without interruptions. While reinforcement is indeed important in the learning process, the purpose of prompting in forward chaining is not solely to ensure reinforcement is applied at each step but to facilitate the learner's ability to begin the task. Teaching the entire behavior chain in one session is not aligned with the principles of forward chaining, which builds skills incrementally, step by step, ensuring mastery of each component before moving on to subsequent steps.