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Behavior Modification in Learning: PSY 258 / 3.0 credits
Wednesdays,  7:00 pm to 9:50 pm - Phone: 285-2065 email: egard@gwcc.commnet.edu
Office hours: weekdays, 10am to 5pm in LW 213


Course Description
This course provides and examination and implementation of basic psychological learning principles. It provides step-by-step guidance techniques and workable methods for dealing effectively with behavior: primarily, the behavior of children. The course describes behavior modification technique and application within appropriate situations. It includes a case-based approach that takes into consideration the teacher’s behavior, values, sensitivities and pre-knowledge of the pupil prior to forming an analysis of behavioral problems and the development of and intervention plan.

The course will consist of lecture, discussion, observation, collaborative projects, videos and guest speakers. An observation journal and term paper will also be required.

Textbook: Martin, Gary
Pear, Joseph, Behavior Modification: what it is and how to do it - 8th ed.
2007, Prentice Hall, Inc., New Jersey.

Course Objectives

After taking PSY 258, students will be able to:

1. Identify the theorists, define and explain the current theoretical approaches for modifying behavior; particularly the behavior of children.
2. Using case studies, students will be able to:
a. Identify behavior problems
b. Analyze behavior problems using the simplest and most obvious strategy
c. Implement strategies to change behavior
3. Demonstrate, through role play, how students with behavioral issues will respond to intervention
4. Write and intervention plan that includes goals and objectives that demonstrate implementation.
5. Describe and demonstrate how to use observational learning and vicarious consequences to affect student behavior.
6. Demonstrate the “team approach” to identify, analyze and solve problem behavior with an intervention plan.
7. Identify the problems connected to working with parents through discussion and role-play.


Grading Procedure:
Exams & quizzes: 30%
Assignments: 20%
Observation Journal: 10%
Participation: 10% (attendance is included here)
Paper/Presentation: 30%
All assignments (except the journal) must be typed with 10 or 12 pt font & 1.5 spacing.
Late assignments will not be accepted. It is kindly requested that all pagers and cell phones be turned off during class.

Research Paper: The research paper & presentation make up your final exam. Guidelines for the term paper will be discussed in class.
Observation Journal: PSY 110 students will be expected to keep a case study journal, where comments and discussions will be recorded. In addition, you will select one or two subjects for a study in Behavior Modification. Methods and outcomes will be recorded in the same journal and shared with the class during the semester.
Changes to this syllabus may be made at the discretion of the instructor.

Course Schedule

Week 1:  Class orientation Ch. 1 - 4; What is Behavior Modification? A Brief History of Behaviorism Handout Reading Assignment

Week 2:  Jan. 31: Intro to case studies Ch. 5 to 7; Positive & Conditioned Reinforcement

Week 3:  Extinction Ch. 8 to 11; Intermittent Reinforcement; Fading

Week 4: Punishment Ch. 12 & 13; Escape and avoidance conditioning