EDF5682 - Applications of behaviour analysis in diverse contexts - 2019

This unit consists of two modules; Performance Management and Supervision (Module 1) and Diverse Applications of Behaviour Analysis (Module 2). In Module 1, students will learn about applications of behaviour analysis to staff training, supervision, and performance management. Topics covered include effective communication and teamwork, assessing performance, establishing performance expectations and goals, training new job skills, monitoring performance, delivering effective performance feedback, using reinforcement in the workplace, and identifying and remediating performance problems. In Module 2, students will explore diverse applications of behaviour analysis in the areas of education, medicine, safety, health and fitness, addiction, and mental health. We will explore how basic behavioural principles, including motivation, stimulus control, and reinforcement, can be applied to address socially significant problems with diverse populations. Students will be challenged to think about and discuss ways to extend the reach of behaviour analysis into more diverse settings, with varied populations.

This unit aligns with BACB 4th Edition Task List requirements.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the components and importance of successful performance management and supervision (and the risks of ineffective performance management) in the professional practice of applied behaviour analysis
2. Assess on-the-job performance to create performance goals and expectations
3. Use evidence-based staff training and performance management systems
4. Identify common performance problems, and implement function-based strategies to remediate performance problems
5. Describe how behavioural principles (including motivation, stimulus control, and reinforcement) may be used to address socially significant problems with diverse populations
6. Read and critically appraise behaviour analytic literature in specific sub-specialties of applied behaviour analysis
7. Describe ways in which behaviour analysts might work collaboratively with non-behavioural providers to extend the reach of behaviour analysis
8. Propose meaningful areas for future research in behaviour analysis.

Staff training plan (collectively 4000 words equivalent, 50%)

Research Synthesis (collectively 4000 words equivalent, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 288 hours per semester (24 hours per week of study). The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is responsible for verifying that the Monash MEd in ABA course meets specific standards and rules. The ABAI requires that students participate in a total of 270 hours of direct instructional activities aligned to the 4th Edition BACB Task List (across all units that comprise the verified course sequence). Coursework delivered via distance format is required to include verifiable methods that ensure student are in contact with the material for the time proposed. Therefore, participation in asynchronous and synchronous online learning activities is mandatory and must be verifiable. In EDF5682, students must complete 45 hours of direct instructional activities, comprising:

1. Contact hours for flexible students:
   • 4 x 3 hour face-to-face workshops, 8 x one-hour online tutorials, and 25 hours of online instruction over the semester; or
   • 4 x 3 hour online workshops, 8 x one-hour online tutorials, and 25 hours of online instruction over the semester
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • 243 independent study hours

See also Unit timetable information

Applied behaviour analysis