Why history matters: A review of Watters's Teaching Machines, the History of Personalized Learning

Abstract

The book Teaching Machines: The History of Personalized Learning by Audrey Watters (2021) is of interest to the readers of the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior because the roots of teaching machines and programmed instruction are in the experimental analysis of behavior. Furthermore, the book addresses use-inspired basic research in education, one of our country's most pressing problems. The review begins with an introduction, followed by an overview of the book chapters, extending the historical, cultural, and behavior-analytic context presented by Watters. Particular emphasis is placed on the work of two not-so-well-known researchers in behavior analysis, Susan Meyer Markle (1928–2008) and Benjamin Wyckoff (1922–2007). The review continues with an assessment of the audience for the book and its contributions to behavior analysis and some perspectives. An overarching theme throughout the review is the importance of learning and teaching the history of behavior analysis.