Cultivating Inclusion: How ABA Can Be Used to Decrease Racism

Abstract

"Equity and inclusion are lacking in higher education across the country. Research has shown that bringing people together under various backgrounds cultivates a stronger learning environment (Obama, 2016). It is imperative that faculty understand implicit biases and racism in order to respect their students. Applied Behavior Analysis strategies have been successfully implemented to decrease racism and implicit biases. Understanding our students’ culture, background, and individual needs is imperative to having an inclusive classroom environment. Studies have proven ABA strategie such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have been successful in decreasing racism. ACT contributes to the idea of psychological flexibility, concept formation, or the generalization of stimuli and events. Implementing ACT, among other ABA strategies, will allow faculty to generate an equitable environment for teaching and learning. Furthermore, acquiring awareness of one's implicit biases can lead to better student outcomes including participation, persistence, and academic success. "

Description

Learning outcome "1. Recognize the current lack of diversity and inclusion in higher education. 2. Understand how Applied Behavior Analysis can be used to decrease implicit biases and racism. 3. Utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to create inclusion and equity. These outcomes relate to the topic and relates to the conference theme by addressing inclusion in the classroom. "

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