Behavior Analysis in Practice: Improving Memorization with Precision Teaching

Introduction

For behavior analysts, fluency is a crucial component of skill acquisition. A fluent learner demonstrates strong retention, fast recall, and the ability to apply knowledge flexibly across contexts. While fluency-based instruction is commonly applied in education, its benefits extend far beyond the classroom.

A recent study published in Behavior Analysis in Practice by Fragale, Ruiz, Newsome, Day-Watkins, and Verdun (2024) explores the use of fluency-based techniques for actors who need to memorize lines quickly and accurately. The study focuses on precision teaching (PT) and a specific fluency-based memorization strategy called SAFMEDS (Say All Fast Minute Each Day Shuffled).

This blog post will break down the study’s findings, explain how precision teaching works, and demonstrate how these strategies can benefit actors and other professionals who rely on memorization.

Why Memorization Matters for Actors

For actors, memorization is a fundamental skill. However, the demands of the entertainment industry have changed in ways that make rapid recall even more critical:

• The shift to virtual auditions: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, self-taped auditions have become the norm. Actors must now film, edit, and submit auditions with little turnaround time.
• Increased time constraints: Actors may receive audition materials the night before and be expected to deliver a fully prepared performance the next day.
• Performance pressure: Memorization is only the first step—actors must also deliver lines with emotion, clarity, and nuance while maintaining their focus on blocking, gestures, and camera angles.

Given these challenges, actors need efficient and reliable strategies for learning lines quickly and retaining them under pressure. This is where precision teaching and fluency-based learning come in.

What is Precision Teaching?

Precision Teaching (PT) is a data-driven instructional approach that focuses on building fluency through repeated, measurable practice. This method involves:

1. Using precise measurement tools to track progress
2. Practicing skills in timed intervals to improve speed and accuracy
3. Emphasizing fluency markers such as:
   • Retention (long-term recall)
   • Endurance (sustained performance over time)
   • Stability (resistance to disruption)
   • Application (generalization to new settings)
   • Adduction (combining skills to create new behaviors)

While PT has traditionally been used in academic settings, it has also been applied to skill training in areas such as:

• Sports and motor skill development
• Public speaking and performance
• Behavioral self-management

In this study, the authors explored the effectiveness of PT for memorizing theatrical scripts using a method called SAFMEDS.

What is SAFMEDS?

SAFMEDS stands for "Say All Fast Minute Each Day Shuffled." It is a fluency-based learning technique designed to improve recall speed and accuracy. Unlike traditional flashcards, SAFMEDS emphasizes:

1. Saying responses out loud to reinforce verbal memory
2. Practicing entire sets of information rather than breaking them into smaller chunks
3. Using one-minute timed trials to encourage rapid recall
4. Practicing daily for consistent improvement
5. Shuffling the study materials to prevent rote memorization based on order

Studies have shown that SAFMEDS improves fluency in areas such as foreign language learning, medical terminology, and now, theatrical memorization.

How the Study Was Conducted

Fragale et al. (2024) designed an experiment to test SAFMEDS' effectiveness in helping actors memorize lines. The researchers selected two participants:

• One professional actor with years of experience
• One novice actor with minimal training

Each participant memorized two monologues using different learning channel sets:

1. See-Say: Reading a Shakespearean monologue and saying it aloud
2. Hear-Say: Listening to a modern monologue and repeating it aloud

The study followed a structured approach:

• Baseline assessment: Participants attempted to memorize lines with no formal strategy.
• Fluency training with SAFMEDS: Participants practiced under timed conditions daily for several weeks.
• Post-test evaluation: Researchers measured retention, stability, and accuracy using the MESAA framework.

Key Findings: SAFMEDS Improved Memorization

The study found that both participants significantly improved their ability to memorize and recall lines after using SAFMEDS. Key outcomes included:

1. Faster memorization times – Participants learned their monologues more quickly compared to baseline.
2. Improved retention – They were able to recall their lines accurately after delays.
3. Better stability – Memorized lines remained intact even when participants were distracted or under pressure.

Interestingly, the See-Say condition (reading aloud) led to stronger memorization than the Hear-Say condition (listening and repeating). This suggests that verbalizing text while seeing it reinforces memory more effectively than passive listening.

Implications for Actors and Beyond

The findings suggest that precision teaching and SAFMEDS can be valuable tools for actors who need to memorize scripts efficiently. By incorporating these strategies into their rehearsal routine, actors can:

• Memorize lines faster and with greater accuracy
• Reduce the stress of last-minute auditions
• Improve their ability to maintain focus under pressure

Beyond acting, these techniques have applications in public speaking, legal professions, education, and even medical training, where quick and reliable recall of information is essential.

Conclusion: Bringing Behavior Analysis Into Practice

This study highlights the real-world value of behavior analysis techniques like fluency training and precision teaching. While originally developed for academic learning, these methods have clear applications in fields that rely on rapid recall and skill acquisition.

For behavior analysts, this research underscores the importance of applying data-driven memorization techniques beyond traditional settings. Whether working with students, professionals, or performers, teaching fluency-based strategies can enhance learning in meaningful ways.

For a deeper dive into the study, check out the full article:

🔗 Fragale, D., Ruiz, S., Newsome, K. B., Day-Watkins, J., & Verdun, V. (2024). "Behavior Analysis in Practice."
💻 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-01038-5

If you're a behavior analyst applying fluency-based techniques in innovative ways, we'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out on social media. 🚀