|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Chapter 9: Learning: Principles and Applications |
"Talk To The Animals"
Introduction
Students have read about learning principles and their applications.
In this lesson, students will learn how these techniques can
be used to produce positive results. Animal trainers put the
principles of learning into action, enhancing the lives of captive
animals and their trainers.
Lesson Description
Students will use information from the Sea World/Busch Gardens
Animal Information Database Web site to learn how animal trainers
at Sea World employ the methods of classical conditioning, operant
conditioning, and social learning to achieve desired animal
behaviors. Students will answer four questions and then apply
this information by writing a report comparing the effects of
using positive conditioning techniques (based on learning principles)
to train animals as opposed to aversive methods (based on social
dominance and punishment).
Instructional Objectives
- Students
will be able to gather information on how learning principles
are employed in a commercial setting.
- Students
will be able to identify the different components of conditioning
techniques and recognize their employment in the training
of animals.
- Students
will be able to use this knowledge to write a report on
how using positive conditioning techniques in training can
have a positive effect on captive animals and their trainers.
Student
Activity Answers
Question 1. Answers should include back scratches and other
touching, toys, fish, favorite activities, and anything else
the animal finds reinforcing.
Question 2. The answer is modeling.
Question 3. A bridge signal is a conditioned reinforcer used
after correct behavior. It is used to communicate to the animal
that it can return to the trainer and receive a treat, or reinforcer.
Question 4. Shaping is used to sculpt responses to desired behavior.
Question 5. Students’ reports should include information on
how animals can be trained humanely to receive medicine, food,
treatment, and relocation.
Learn More on the Web: Link to these sites to learn more
about how trainers and animals can benefit from the use of conditioning
techniques:
Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies Web site:
www.behavior.org.
National Aquarium in Baltimore's Marine Mammal Trainer Web site:
www.aqua.org/education/careers/tmm.html.
Student Web Activity
|
|
|
|
|
