Which option best describes prompting as a feedback technique?

Which option best describes prompting as a feedback technique?

• A. It gives direct commands to correct technique
• B. It guides performance with hints but does not take over
• C. It provides praise only after success
• D. It ignores errors

Answer: (B)

Prompting is guiding performance with hints and cues while the learner remains in control, rather than taking over the action. In lifeguard training, you provide small, timely prompts that help the student correct technique during the drill—something like “keep your head up and reach forward” or “start with a firm seal and slow exhale”—so they adjust themselves with your guidance still in the background. Over time, those hints are faded as the learner becomes more proficient, promoting independent performance. This approach differs from giving direct commands that dictate every movement, which can reduce the learner’s initiative and hands-on practice. It also isn’t just praise after success, which doesn’t assist during the execution of the skill. And it certainly isn’t ignoring errors, which would stop learning altogether. Prompting keeps the learner engaged, supported, and gradually autonomous.

Prompting is guiding performance with hints and cues while the learner remains in control, rather than taking over the action. In lifeguard training, you provide small, timely prompts that help the student correct technique during the drill—something like “keep your head up and reach forward” or “start with a firm seal and slow exhale”—so they adjust themselves with your guidance still in the background. Over time, those hints are faded as the learner becomes more proficient, promoting independent performance.

This approach differs from giving direct commands that dictate every movement, which can reduce the learner’s initiative and hands-on practice. It also isn’t just praise after success, which doesn’t assist during the execution of the skill. And it certainly isn’t ignoring errors, which would stop learning altogether. Prompting keeps the learner engaged, supported, and gradually autonomous.