SHREVEPORT – LSUS graduate student Jana Beaubouef loves doing research in her field of applied behavior analysis.
But presenting that research? Not her favorite.
Backed by LSUS psychology faculty members, Beaubouef did present her research around the impact of behavioral skills training for early education teachers at the Gulf Coast Applied Behavior Analysis Conference in New Orleans earlier this month.
“Due to severe anxiety, I often struggle with presenting in all settings,” Beaubouef said. “But the support and encouragement I’ve received from (Dr. Margaret Gifford, Dr. Brenna Griffen, and Dr. Seth Whiting) in times of need allowed me to push through that anxiety to pursue and thrive in the things I am passionate about,” Beaubouef said. “I learn so much from working with them, and in return, I have experienced an increased level of confidence and competence.
“Presenting research at conferences provides the opportunity to share your research, expand on the current research field, teach others, and connect with and learn from other professionals, students, and researchers.”
Beaubouef was part of an LSUS psychology contingent featuring presentations by Gifford, Griffen and White with remarks from graduate student Kaylea Reeves.
Beaubouef presented findings that even limited, informal training of early education teachers in behavioral skills training drastically impacted student behavior for the better.
“Behavioral skills training is an effective teaching method, even when conducted in less structured, more natural environments and contexts,” Beaubouef said. “Teacher implementation of reinforcement in the classroom can significantly influence student behaviors and could remove the need for individual student intervention while improving both student and teacher interactions and satisfaction.
“What we saw was a complete reversal in student behavior in that the rate of challenging behaviors decreased to low rates and desirable behaviors increased to high rates.”
Griffen said students presenting research at conferences is a valuable extension of the classroom, allowing students to see how their “learning connects to the real world.”
“When students take the leap to present their own work – whether it’s a poster, a short talk, or a formal presentation – they gain first-hand experience sharing their ideas with others,” Griffen said. “It’s a powerful way to take ownership of their research and learn how to explain complex topics clearly.
“Conferences also help students practice skills that are essential for success – like public speaking, networking, and critical thinking – that don’t always get as much attention in day-to-day coursework.”
Conferences also provide a space for faculty to interact with each other and with other professionals, critical to a newer master’s degree program that began offering classes just one year ago.
“For faculty – especially in a developing program like ours – attending regional conferences is just as important as it is for students,” Griffen said. “It helps build a strong sense of community and shared purpose within our department, while also raising the visibility of our program across the region.
“Having four LSUS faculty members attend, present, and involve students this year showed the ABA community across the state that our program is active and growing. We’re proud to showcase the quality of our ABA program and our commitment to advancing the field through both instruction and research.”
Both Beaubouef and Reeves are LSUS bachelor’s psychology students in ABA concentrations that continued their education in the master’s ABA program.
The program is already well-connected among local care providers as 11 undergraduate and graduate students participated in internships with six different local facilities.
For more information on the LSUS undergraduate ABA concentration within psychology or the master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis, visit the LSUS website.