Abstract
The solution to the educational dilemma ia tied necessarily to the ability of teachers to insure that their students achieve learning objectives that are germane to the survival of the culture and the species. The growing body of scientifically based practices necessary to eliminate the existing educational crisis is briefly outlined. It is argued that these practices can be implemented by teachers who function as strategic scientists. The science used by such teachers include research findings and teaching models incorporating that research (Precision Teaching, Direct Instruction, Programmed Instruction, Personalized System of Instruction). In order to train, support, and motivate the pervasive and sustained application of effective pedagogy by teachers who function as strategic scientists, behavior analysis must be applied to all components of schooling-students, parents, teachers, and supervisors. One model for doing so has developed over the last decade. Research studies and applications in six schools for handicapped children in this country and abroad suggest that this comprehensive application of behavior analysis to schooling (CABAS) is effective, efficient, and viable.
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Portions of this paper were presented at theXVIth Banff Conference on Behavior Modification in March of 1984. The conference and the paper were dedicated to B. F. Skinner. The current paper is also dedicated to B. F. Skinner, one of the few who recognized the critical role of education to the survival of the species and the one who has contributed most to a potential solution to our educational crisis,
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Greer, R.D. The Teacher as Strategic Scientist: A Solution to Our Educational Crisis?. Behav. Soc. Iss. 1, 25–41 (1991). https://doi.org/10.5210/bsi.v1i2.165
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5210/bsi.v1i2.165