Ugnayan ng Pahinungod UPOU Holds Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Seminar

Understanding and responding to behavior is critical to successful academic and self-regulation training, both in the classroom and at home. On 16 March 2024, the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU collaborated with two distinguished speakers in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to provide teachers and the general public across the country with an understanding of the systematic and scientific approach to behavioral analysis. The hybrid event drew 285 online attendees and onsite participants. The seminar took place at the CCDL Auditorium at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, via hybrid participation.

Ms. Gina Luna Bermudo led the first session, guiding the onsite participants through a series of scenarios and questions about identifying behavior and determining the best interventions. She emphasized the importance of practicing identifying behaviors and behavioral triggers to determine the most effective intervention for promoting positive behavior changes. She emphasized that because ABA is a systematic and evidence-based approach, it has a significant impact on learning outcomes, experiences, and education, particularly in children with special needs. Ms. Bermudo studied applied behavioral analysis at the University of Massachusetts in the United States and holds the following certifications: US Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (CBA), Certified Qualified Behavioral Analyst (QBA), and Certified International Behavioral Analyst (IBA).

The second session focused on the certification of ABA practitioners. Mr. Bonnie Camilotes, a member of the Qualified Applied Behavioral Analysis team, discussed the educational and professional requirements for becoming a Certified ABA Practitioner. He shared that practitioners go through a series of professional development activities and emphasized the importance of continuing education, particularly for practitioners working in educational institutions and academic training for children.

The Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU hoped that those who attended the seminar would gain a better understanding of the principles, foundations, and significance of ABA, as well as encourage them to better prepare for professional development in the field should they intend to become certified ABA practitioners.

At the end of the seminar, both the onsite and online participants had an opportunity to take a snapshot with everyone alongside the speakers and the director of Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU. 

Written by Jerah Gumalal ♦ Edited by Queenie R. Ridulme and Jurell A. Ordanes ♦ Contributed by Ugnayan ng Pahinungód  UPOU

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