Verbal Behavior

In his book Verbal Behavior, noted psychologist B. F. Skinner wrote about the relevance of the environment in developing and enhancing communication behavior. People provide the language environment for learners who may need language training (i.e., verbal behavior). The behavioral interpretation of communication, called verbal behavior, provides a useful framework for determining what to teach and how to teach language skills to adults and children. Strategies and tactics born out of an understanding of verbal behavior has been effective in (1) establishing communication repertoires for those in need of language development; (2) strengthening, elaborating, and embellishing existing language skills; and (3) in better understanding, thinking and problem solving.

Adapted from "Janet Twyman and the Cambridge Center Parenting Group"