Shaping is defined as a systematic process in which successive approximations of a desired behavior are differentially reinforced until the terminal behavior is achieved. This method gradually moves the learner closer to the target behavior by rewarding small steps in the right direction.
Example
To teach a child to say “water,” a teacher may initially reinforce the child for saying “wa.” Once the child consistently says “wa,” the teacher only reinforces when the child says “wat,” and finally, the reinforcement is given only when the child says the full word “water.” This process of rewarding each closer approximation to the target behavior is shaping.