Can human behavior be changed for the better? And if so, how can we achieve this? These questions are answered by professor William L. Heward, a renowned expert in the field of applied behavior analysis, who spoke at the European Association for Behavior Analysis conference in Brno. On this occasion, the first Czech translation of his seminal book "Applied Behavior Analysis" was also presented. We interviewed him to discuss his accomplishments, perspectives and practical applications of ABA in education of children.
After retiring from the university, I have found great fulfillment in continuing my work in ABA, which has provided me with numerous opportunities to travel the world, meet new people, and learn from diverse experiences. I have had the privilege of attending conferences in 25 different countries and was honored to be invited to speak at the ABA Association conference in Lisbon, where I had the chance to connect with members of the organization. I am grateful for the invitation to participate in this conference, my first in the Czech Republic, and look forward to future opportunities.
I had the pleasure of meeting new people and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Czech Republic. The program exceeded my expectations with its excellent talks and organization. The main screen at the faculty was impressive, something I hadn't seen in any other country before and proved to be incredibly useful. The overall experience was wonderful. The building itself was beautiful, making the event all the more memorable.
William L. Heward is a distinguished professor emeritus in the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University. He is a prominent figure in the field of education, best known for his extensive contributions to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), particularly in the realm of special education. ABA is a scientific approach that uses behavioral principles to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior, widely recognized for its application in helping individuals with developmental disorders, including autism.
Heward's influence on ABA stems largely from his work as an educator, author, and researcher. He co-authored "Applied Behavior Analysis," a widely respected textbook in the field, which is used globally by students and professionals. His clear and practical writing helped bridge the gap between the science of behavior and its real - world applications, making ABA accessible to educators and practitioners. One of Heward's significant contributions to ABA is his emphasis on the importance of individualized instruction. He has advocated for the use of evidence - based practices to meet the unique needs of students, particularly those with learning disabilities and other developmental challenges. His research has shown that using ABA techniques, such as reinforcement and systematic instruction, can lead to significant improvements in academic and social skills.
“I had never been to the Czech Republic before, but I knew it would be a great program at the conference with wonderful talks. The building of Faculty of Education was beautiful, and the huge screen displaying the program was something I had never seen anywhere else - so big and useful! Everything was well-organized, and I had a fantastic time.”
The first edition of our book was published in 1987 and was initially drafted by hand. My colleagues, Cooper, Heron and I, wrote it while serving as professors in special education, aiming to create a resource tailored specifically for teachers and educational purposes. At that time, many existing books focused on behavior modification rather than behavior analysis. Our goal was to introduce the science of behavior analysis itself, detailing its background, common elements, and fundamental principles. We named it "Applied Behavior Analysis" and were unsure of its potential impact.
A few years later, a class action lawsuit in Florida underscored the need for effective training for staff working with individuals with significant disabilities. This led to the development of Florida's certification program, which incorporated our book as a key resource. Consequently, the book gained widespread use and became a national standard across the United States. Our book marked the beginning of a new era in behavior analysis, providing an essential introduction to the science. Its success has been remarkable, as it has become a fundamental resource for graduate-level courses and numerous educational programs. The book is comprehensive, reflecting the depth of the science, and does not require prior knowledge to understand its principles. It took four years to prepare the first edition, which became a cornerstone for certification programs and national standards. As the field of behavior analysis expanded globally, especially with the increasing focus on autism and the need for effective educational treatments, our book played a crucial role. It significantly contributed to the rise of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) worldwide. We initially did not anticipate further editions, but after five years of preparation for the first edition, we released the second edition twenty years later, followed by the third edition, which took 3.5 years to complete. This latest edition has been translated into eight languages, including a brand - new Czech version. We are thrilled about this update, which includes 31 chapters - seven contributed by leading experts in the field. We are proud of the book's impact and confident that this will be the final edition.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a source of proven methods and techniques to help alleviate the manifestations of challenging behavior. In particular, it comprehensively supports a child's development in key areas - communication, social skills, self-care skills, academic skills and much more. ABA is a discipline that has also been used successfully in work with people with autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Its positive effects have been verified by many scientific studies.
Children's challenging behaviour (verbal or physical aggression, truancy, substance abuse, etc.) is a key issue not only for their family and loved ones, but also for educational staff and other professionals in the helping professions.
Book Applied Behavior Analysis - Czech version
After several years of intensive work, Applied Behavior Analysis is the foundational text and the first comprehensive textbook translated into English for the study of the discipline of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In nearly 800 pages, Prof. Heward and his co - authors present the concepts of ABA through a clear and structured perspective that includes theoretical foundations, scientific principles, and practical applications. They offer readers a comprehensive view of how ABA can be used to modify and improve human behavior in all areas of life, including education, clinical psychology, behavior management, and more. Each chapter provides specific examples, case studies, and exercises to help readers better understand and apply ABA concepts in a variety of contexts. This makes the book an essential resource for students, educators, practitioners, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of behavioral practices and therapies. The book is available for purchase at this link
Yes! There are many ways to improve behavior, and some are much more effective than others, with some requiring scientific support. We need practical strategies that parents and teachers can implement. These strategies should not only be effective but ideally also enjoyable for the kids.
“Improving children's behavior is absolutely possible! The key is using science - based methods (from ABA) that are both effective and enjoyable for the kids.”
Teachers work incredibly hard, and their job has become increasingly challenging over the years. Society often assumes that education can solve all problems, placing immense pressure on educators who face constant demands and shifting expectations. For decades, effective reading instruction has been a core focus, emphasizing the importance of learning to read and the critical transition to reading to learn by third grade. Children who struggle with reading early on face significant disadvantages and may end up in special education programs, not due to any fault in their cognitive or nervous systems, but due to gaps in early literacy skills. Fortunately, with basic reading skills and persistence, even very young children can learn to read effectively, especially when applying techniques from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our dedicated teachers work tirelessly, but some may not receive training in these specific methods during their education. It's essential to incorporate the science of teaching and learning - ABA into our approaches to better support students, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds.
“Teachers work so hard, and their job is more difficult than ever. Society expects education to fix everything, but only with skilled and motivated teachers, especially in poverty - stricken states the science of teaching and learning - like ABA - can truly make a difference.”
On 12 September 2024, the Senate awarded the Medals of the Ministry of Education to important personalities of Czech pedagogy. The medals, which are the highest award in the field of education and upbringing, were presented by the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Mikuláš Bek. One of them was awarded to Mgr. Daniela Taylor, Ph.D. from the Department of Music Education.
10 October marks World Mental Health Day. On this day, the MU Counselling Centre has prepared a Wellbeing day conference for MU students, which will offer an opportunity to learn more about the importance of mental health and ways to take care of your mental well-being and build mental resilience.
