New international training programme in behaviour analysis starting in Finland

American Laura Bernard Moon (M.Ed., BCBA) will serve as the leading instructor in Tampere University's Applied and Clinical Behaviour Analysis training programme (30 ECTS), in collaboration with emeritus professor Martti Tuomisto. 

"Now there's a chance to be a forerunner in the field in Finland and participate in high-quality international training. Behaviour analysis provides powerful and effective tools for one's work with people," says Tuomisto. 

Applied behaviour analysis is used from mine clearance to treating autism spectrum disorders  

Applied behaviour analysis is a field of psychology that explains human behaviour by focusing particularly on practical action. It can be applied very broadly in many areas, such as in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, learning difficulties, improving employee performance, or treating substance abuse. 

"Behaviour analysis can be applied broadly from animal training to higher education," Martti Tuomisto sums up.  

He explains that, for example, in the 1980s, African pouched rats were taught using behaviour analysis methods to indicate the locations of landmines, so they could be safely cleared. Also, during the energy crisis in the 1970s, behaviour analysis was utilized by creating campaigns and incentives that motivated individuals to adopt energy-saving measures. 

Today, for instance, behaviour analysis can be used in preventing climate change by reinforcing sorting, reducing littering, or promoting proper energy use.  

Behaviour analysis is applicable when change in human behaviour is desired  

"Behaviour analysis is applicable in any situation where a change in human behaviour is desired. So, broadly speaking, almost everything," says Laura Bernard Moon.  

Bernard Moon herself has extensive experience in the benefits of behaviour analysis in treating children diagnosed with autism. On the other hand, she has also used behaviour analysis in organizational development, leading a company that provides services to children diagnosed with autism and their families. Behaviour analysis is also widely used in building motivating, communal, and functional work communities. For example, in the United States, many companies have adopted behaviour analysis, significantly improving their profitability and employee satisfaction.  

Other typical application areas of behaviour analysis include special education, behavioural medicine, sports psychology, various therapy methods, education and learning, as well as healthcare.  

Excellent time to study behaviour analysis – certification process in progress  

The history of behaviour analysis, a large part of the latest research, development and networks come from the United States. Leading instructor Laura Bernard Moon knows the field, development, and the people in the industry. She is excited about this training and about promoting the expertise of the field in Finland. In the United States, behaviour analysis is also widely recognized and certified expertise. 

The same development is ahead in Finland, and the field is growing and future-oriented in every way. Bernard Moon is also involved in developing Nordic behaviour analysis certification principles. This training provides an excellent basis also considering the certification in the future.  

Mentorship as a passion, language as a tool  

"My approach and passion to teaching is very much a mentorship," says Bernard Moon filled with excitement. "During my own studies, I’ve spent more time in my professor's office discussing and learning than in the actual classroom. Also, in this training, I want to be available to students and we want this training to be practical. I want to make sure that every student has an opportunity to get out of it what they want. We can cater to that given the small groups," continues Laura Bernard Moon.  

Such mentorship approach may be less familiar, for example, to Finnish students. Also, studying in English may be nervous or concerning for some. What would Bernard Moon and Tuomisto say to those students for whom studying in English is less familiar? 

"The latest research in behaviour analysis is in English, so it's important to learn the terms of the field in English. However, some Finnish instructors can support learning and understanding the vocabulary understanding. In addition, there is an explanatory dictionary of behaviour analysis in Finnish, including an English-Finnish vocabulary. As an instructor, I will ensure that what I say is understood," Bernard Moon confirms. 

"We can also translate the terms into Swedish in addition to Finnish. I also understand some Danish, Norwegian, and Estonian," Tuomisto says smiling. 

"And I get to learn more Finnish!" Bernard Moon laughs.