Module: Applied Behaviour Analysis in Education

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Applied Behaviour Analysis in Education
Module Code	ISE1008 (ITS: SI729)
Faculty	Inclusive & Special Education	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module aims to provide a foundation in the principles and strategies within Applied Behaviour Analysis and to consider the application of behavioural analysis within students’ settings. Specifically, this module will focus on: (a) The historical development of behavioural analysis and its current status within the education system in Ireland. (b) Examination of behaviour analytic literature in relation to education. (c) Understanding the efficacy of behavioural strategies to improve learning and increase access to the curriculum for learners. (d) The use of behavioural curricula and strategies to support learners increasing teachers’ capacity to include diverse learners.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the historical and current role of behavioural analysis within education considering policy and practice nationally and internationally.
2. Demonstrate ability to use key behavioural strategies which are responsive to diverse learners’ areas for development.
3. Explain how behavioural curricula can support access to the wider curriculum for diverse learners and debate the linear vs lateral approach to target setting.
4. Use progressive and responsive methods of assessment.
5. Understand appropriate analysis of implementation and fading of behavioural strategies in a responsive way in accordance with the strengths and areas for development of the learner.
6. Describe the ethical considerations related to behaviour support planning.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	No Description
Independent Study	50	No Description
Assignment Completion	50	No Description
Total Workload: 120

Section Breakdown
CRN	20017	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Laura Gormley	Module Teacher	Kathryn O'Mahony, Leanne Connolly

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Course Work	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
• History of behaviourism. • Principles of behavioural analysis. • Examination of research base for behavioural strategies for diverse learners. • Effective teaching technologies (discrete trail teaching, precision teaching, errorless learning fading of prompts, task analysis for independent skills, differential reinforcement and self-management strategies). • Behavioural Curricula (VB Mapp, ABLLS, AFLS). • Functional assessment and development of behaviour support.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None