WMU Personal Statement
From a very young age I have taken a particular interest in education, learning processes, and human behavior. It is this interest that has driven me to explore career options within the field of behavior analysis, while focusing my efforts in the school and classroom environments. My academic and practical experiences in behavioral science and elementary education have provided me with unique learning experiences and exposure to many different aspects of the education system. As my repertoire in education has developed and I have gained classroom exposure, I am able to better define the role I most desire to play within the system. Providing behavior analytic services, teaching preschool, directing a school-age latchkey …show more content…
Jessica Frieder’s LAB members throughout my practicum experience. Not only are they an incredibly inspirational group, but my research interests align closely with the work of many current LAB members as well as past and current research of Dr. Frieder. Although I have not had the pleasure of working directly with Dr. Stephanie Peterson, I am well aware of her collaboration with Dr. Frieder on multiple projects, as well as her substantial contributions in behavior analysis and education. I have had the opportunity to hear Dr. Peterson speak on a few occasions at Western Michigan University, and at the Michigan Autism Conference. I am eager to pursue my education under the mentorship of both of these phenomenal educators as I believe that their experience in the school environment, and their research collaborations focusing on reducing severe problem behavior in the classroom and increasing on-task behavior using self-management techniques are absolutely fundamental for the work I intend to pursue. I look forward to continuing my education and pursuing a career in one of the most exciting and beneficial branches of psychology, in one of the most prominent behavior analysis programs in the
From a very young age I have taken a particular interest in education, learning processes, and human behavior. It is this interest that has driven me to explore career options within the field of behavior analysis, while focusing my efforts in the school and classroom environments. My academic and practical experiences in behavioral science and elementary education have provided me with unique learning experiences and exposure to many different aspects of the education system. As my repertoire in education has developed and I have gained classroom exposure, I am able to better define the role I most desire to play within the system. Providing behavior analytic services, teaching preschool, directing a school-age latchkey …show more content…
Jessica Frieder’s LAB members throughout my practicum experience. Not only are they an incredibly inspirational group, but my research interests align closely with the work of many current LAB members as well as past and current research of Dr. Frieder. Although I have not had the pleasure of working directly with Dr. Stephanie Peterson, I am well aware of her collaboration with Dr. Frieder on multiple projects, as well as her substantial contributions in behavior analysis and education. I have had the opportunity to hear Dr. Peterson speak on a few occasions at Western Michigan University, and at the Michigan Autism Conference. I am eager to pursue my education under the mentorship of both of these phenomenal educators as I believe that their experience in the school environment, and their research collaborations focusing on reducing severe problem behavior in the classroom and increasing on-task behavior using self-management techniques are absolutely fundamental for the work I intend to pursue. I look forward to continuing my education and pursuing a career in one of the most exciting and beneficial branches of psychology, in one of the most prominent behavior analysis programs in the