EDF4021

Principles of everyday behaviour analysis

(EDU)

Dr V L Lee

6 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton

Synopsis: This subject provides an introduction to the principles and concepts of behaviour analysis. Behaviour analysis has many important applications in education, including fluency training, precision teaching, and intensive behavioural interventions with young autistic children. Students will learn about the history and aims of behaviour analysis, the power of positive reinforcement, the well-documented disadvantages of attempt to use coercion to change behaviour, the effectiveness of methods of gradual behaviour change, including shaping, fading, and chaining, the distinction between contingency-shaped behaviour and rule-governed behaviour, and methods for developing conceptual discriminations.

Assessment: Brief weekly tests based on weekly reading assignments (2500 words): 60% + Portfolio of work based on weekly classroom activities (1500 words): 40%