Shaping is a behavioral technique used in psychology and education to teach new skills by reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior. This method involves breaking down a complex behavior into smaller, manageable steps and rewarding each step as it is achieved. Over time, the individual learns to perform the complete behavior. For example, when training a dog, a trainer might first reward the dog for sitting, then for staying, and finally for performing a complete trick. This gradual approach helps build confidence and encourages learning, making it effective for both animals and humans in various settings, including classrooms and therapy.