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Behavioral Fluency: Evolution of a New Paradigm

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Abstract

Behavioral fluency is that combination of accuracy plus speed of responding that enables competent individuals to function efficiently and effectively in their natural environments. Evolving from the methodology of free-operant conditioning, the practice of precision teaching set the stage for discoveries about relations between behavior frequency and specific outcomes, notably retention and maintenance of performance, endurance or resistance to distraction, and application or transfer of training. The use of frequency aims in instructional programming by Haughton and his associates led to formulation of empirically determined performance frequency ranges that define fluency. Use of fluency-based instructional methods has led to unprecedented gains in educational cost effectiveness, and has the potential for significantly improving education and training in general. This article traces the development of concepts, procedures, and findings associated with fluency and discusses their implications for instructional design and practice. It invites further controlled research and experimental analyses of phenomena that may be significant in the future evolution of educational technology and in the analysis of complex behavior.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Precision Teaching and Management Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 95009, Nonantum, Massachusetts, 02195, USA

    Carl Binder

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  1. Carl Binder
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Correspondence to Carl Binder.

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This paper is dedicated to Eric C. Haughton, whose 20 years of commitment to behavior frequency and children’s learning laid a foundation for much of what we now know about behavioral fluency. Eric’s premature death in 1985 left his colleagues and students with a great legacy of ideas and a challenge to continue the work he began.

In addition, the author will make available an annotated bibliography covering obscure and difficult-to-access references with information about how to contact the authors to obtain copies. The bibliography will be available via E-mail or fax, but not in hard copy, to reduce paper and postage costs.

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Binder, C. Behavioral Fluency: Evolution of a New Paradigm. BEHAV ANALYST 19, 163–197 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393163

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