Which represents total-task chaining?

• A. Gives the learner an opportunity to complete the first step of the task (getting two slices of bread). If the learner performs the first step correctly, they move on to the next step. If the learner errors, prompts the response at the necessary level and moves on to the next step. This continues until the learner performs all steps in the chain.
• B. Gives the learner the first step and asks them to repeat until mastery, proceeding step by step with frequent pauses.
• C. Introduces all steps at once and tests for mastery without prompts.
• D. Starts with the last step and adds earlier steps after mastery.

Answer: (A)

Total-task chaining means practicing the entire multistep task in one continuous sequence, guiding the learner through each step from start to finish rather than isolating or reordering components. In this scenario, the learner is given the first step (getting two slices of bread) and, if they perform it correctly, moves on to the next step; if they make an error, prompts are provided at the necessary level and the learner continues through the remaining steps. This approach continues until the whole chain is completed, capturing the ability to perform the full task in one flowing sequence. That uninterrupted progression through every step is the hallmark of total-task chaining, because the entire procedure is practiced together rather than taught step by step in isolation, or starting at the end and working backward, or presenting all steps at once without guided prompts.