What is the term for reinforcing components of a desired behavior to gradually shape the complete behavior?

The term for reinforcing components of a desired behavior to gradually shape the complete behavior is shaping. This technique is based on the principles of operant conditioning, particularly the concept of reinforcement. Shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations toward a goal behavior. For example, if a teacher wants a student to learn to speak in front of the class, they might initially reinforce the student for simply participating in discussions, then for speaking in small groups, and finally for presenting in front of the whole class. Each step is a closer approximation to the final desired behavior, and reinforcement at each stage encourages progression. This method is particularly effective in teaching complex behaviors that cannot be learned in a single attempt.