Humanistic behaviorism: A tool for creating healthy learning environments

Behavior modification techniques have been both highly revered and highly criticized by educators. Unfortunately, both viewpoints have often been based on a superficial understanding of theory and research. More significantly, the application of behavioristic principles has frequently failed to integrate techniques derived from research in the areas of personality development and communication (much of which is currently incorporated under the term humanistic psychology). This article presents a school-based model for creating a synthesis of behavioristic and humanistic technologies. Examples from the author's work as a teacher and consultant are combined with an examination of associated research findings to demonstrate the practical application of such a synthesis.