Behavioural Intentions and Functions

All behaviours are trying to reach a defined objective. Some behavioural strategies are effective and some less so – but they are all defined by their end.

I’ve had this forcibly imprinted on me in the last 18 months in trying to train our Labrador Iolo. Like all Labradors his behaviours all have purpose and are designed to achieve a limited and joyful end result. These tend to be limited to food, fooling around through play,  engaging with other dogs and humans and smelling things.  In the picture he is demonstrating the second aspect of his behaviour through the subset of recycling paper by destructiveness.

So too with humans, despite some being more effective than others, the behaviour is designed to meet an end. If we can see through the behaviour and understand the end we can help people become self actualising individuals who can learn and reflect independently.

Daniel Sobel recently shared this infographic from Andrew Davis via autism.net which explores the contention in the context of Autism…

Source: English Visuals | Geneva Centre for Autism | autism.net

About educationalist04

I'm convinced we can, as a species, do much better than this if we set our minds to being much more positive and productive towards our fellow humans. The solution is learning - creating independent and autonomous learners who can problem solve, innovate and create a better more equitable and sustainable world. My books, Future Proof Your School and Re-Examining Success together with this blog, explore how better learning outcomes for all can be achieved.

View all posts by educationalist04 →