The Special Issue on the Education of Behavior Analysts: Common Themes

Abstract

The goal of Behavior Analysis in Practice's special issue on the education of behavior analysts is to highlight a variety of works on the topic of teaching and mentoring students in behavior analysis. The special issue is composed of empirical studies that evaluated teaching procedures aimed at the effective training of behavior analysts; surveys focusing on the content of training programs, including common readings and other components; and commentaries on topics pertaining to teaching and mentoring behavior analysts. Several themes emerged across the issue, including (a) a focus on knowledge of basic principles of behavior analysis, (b) the direct application of operant-based principles in the teaching and mentorship of behavior analysis students, and (c) a significant emphasis on the meaningful application of behavior analysis.

Exploring the validity of university‐based practicum tailored to develop expertise in addressing challenging behavior

“…Despite diversity in values and approach, leaders in the field of ABA generally agree the focus of ABA practitioner-training programs should be on: (a) establishing knowledge of basic principles of behavior and learning, (b) direct application of those principles toward practitioner training efforts, and (c) exposure to meaningful demonstrations of the application of behavioral technology toward the resolution of socially significant problems (Falcomata, 2018). These values are codified in the BACB 5 th Edition Task List, supervision guidelines, and a baseline threshold of supervised field experiences required by all certificate applicants (BACB, 2017(BACB, , 2021.…”