Foundation Professional Diploma in Behavior Modification
Department of Educational Psychology — Novera International University
1. Program Overview:
An applied and foundational professional program extending over 3 months (80 hours of approved study load), aimed at providing participants with the theoretical foundations and practical skills required to analyze, understand, and modify human behavior. The program focuses on behavioral observation and assessment, Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), designing and developing individualized behavior intervention plans, applying reinforcement techniques, reducing undesirable behaviors, and generalizing positive behavior across educational, home, and social environments.
2. Key Objectives:
- Understanding behavioral foundations and theories: understanding the theories explaining human behavior and the fundamental concepts of behavior modification.
- Mastering measurement and functional analysis: applying scientific observation tools, identifying target behavior, conducting Functional Behavior Assessment, and formulating operational objectives.
- Mastering advanced behavioral techniques:
· Techniques for increasing and maintaining desirable behaviors (various types of reinforcement).
· Techniques for reducing and extinguishing undesirable behaviors.
· Techniques for shaping behavior and acquiring new skills (shaping, chaining, and prompting).
· Techniques for generalizing behavior, self-management, and maintaining acquired gains.
- Clinical and educational application: addressing common behavioral problems, habits and academic and daily-life problems, and emotional and social problems through practical case studies.
3. Target Audience:
- Psychologists, student counselors, and educational counselors.
- Teachers, Shadow Teachers, and staff working in schools and day-care centers.
- Specialists working in special education and behavioral rehabilitation centers.
- Parents and individuals interested in acquiring scientific methods for modifying the behavior of children and adolescents.
4. Training Program Modules (12 Interactive and Applied Modules):
1. Introduction to Behavior Modification and Its Fundamental Concepts.
2. Theoretical Foundations Explaining Human Behavior.
3. Behavioral Observation, Measurement, Assessment, and Functional Behavior Assessment.
4. Identifying Target Behavior, Formulating Objectives, and Developing a Behavior Modification Plan.
5. Techniques for Increasing and Maintaining Desirable Behavior.
6. Techniques for Reducing Undesirable Behavior.
7. Techniques for Shaping Behavior and Acquiring New Skills.
8. Techniques for Maintaining and Generalizing Behavior and Behavioral Self-Management.
9. Applications of Behavior Modification to Common Behavioral Problems.
10. Applications of Behavior Modification to Habits and Academic and Daily-Life Problems.
11. Applications of Behavior Modification to Emotional and Social Problems.
12. Professional Practice, Practical Application, and Case Studies.
5. Program Data and Organizational Assessment:
- Field and subfield: Psychology / Educational Psychology.
- Duration and sessions: 3 months (evening period) | 20 to 25 lectures (two lectures per week, two hours per lecture).
- Distribution of credit hours (80 hours):
· 50 hours: interactive live lectures (remote / online).
· 20 hours: required and independent readings.
· 7 hours: chapter questions and self-assessment.
· 3 hours: final review and completion examination.
- Attendance and assessment requirements: an attendance rate of no less than 75% of the live sessions, in addition to assignments and continuous assessments.
- Final project: an online assessment test (25 multiple-choice questions + 5 practical case-study questions).
