ABSTRACT
The chapter “Navigating Different Schools of Thought: Old School Versus New School” explores the concept of “old school” versus “new school” in various disciplines, such as teaching and psychology. The author shares their personal theory that categorizes individuals based on their willingness to adapt and modify their practices to meet the needs of their students. “Old school” practitioners adhere to traditional methods and expect students to adjust to their way of teaching, while “new school” practitioners recognize the importance of individualized approaches and adapt their methods accordingly. The author emphasizes the need for professionals to stay updated with the latest research and evolve their practices accordingly, highlighting the impact it has on the quality of care provided. They discuss how this distinction applies to different fields, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), and encourage asking questions and engaging in conversations to ensure that professionals are delivering high-quality care. The author also addresses the negative perceptions associated with certain disciplines due to the practices of old-school practitioners, urging individuals not to let them define the entire profession.
