The behaviourist lens informs this MOOC of behaviour change. While this is by no means the only perspective on effective behaviour modification, it is the direction currently employed by the Department for Education South Australia. It thus is the most relevant to Teacher professional development.

This work draws on theory and synthesis from contemporary and seminal behaviour theorists such as Skinner, Fogg, Clear and Duhigg. Ultimately, it boils down to this:

A new behaviour can be expressed as Behaviour = Motivation + Ability + Prompt

To maintain a current behaviour, Behaviour = Cue + Craving + Routine + Reward

This is the case because the brain strives to develop energy-conserving automaticity of behaviour. Basically, less thinking = energy saved.

In the first unit, we will explore how this impacts the behaviour of yourself and your students and how we can leverage this for a positive effect.