How We Learn: A Natural Science Perspective

How We Learn: A Natural Science Perspective

What is behavior for? How does experience change our behavior, that is, how do we learn? In this presentation, we will take a natural science perspective on learning and behavior to better understand, predict and change where necessary, the behavior of the animals in our care. This talk is designed to expand your understanding of 5 fundamental and inspiring topics: 1) An evolutionary view of learning and behavior; 2) a review of the science of behavior-change called behavior analysis; 3) ABC assessment to better assess behavior in conditions; 4) the errorless learning philosophy and training strategies; 5) the relevance of the least intrusive, effect teaching procedure to address the ethical use of training procedures. This talk is a big picture overview and a perspective-changer, for sure.

Susan G. Friedman, PH.D. – Biographical Sketch

Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D. is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University and the owner of Behavior Works Consulting, LLC. Susan has co-authored chapters on behavior change in five veterinary texts, and her popular articles have been translated into 17 languages. Susan teaches seminars and courses on animal learning online (How Behavior Works: Living & Learning with Animals), which has been attended by students from 64 countries so far. Susan consults with zoos and animal organizations around the world and teaches yearly for the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Animal Trainer Accreditation program. She was appointed to the Fish & Wildlife Service’s California Condor Recovery Team from 2002 – 2010, after which the team was retired due to the success of the birds in the wild.  Currently, she is the Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Committee of American Humane Association (AHA) Film and TV Unit. In 2022, Susan was honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. See behaviorworks.org and facebook.com/behaviorworks.

April 22, 7pm CEST.  Find your local time here.

The webinar will be recorded so that you can access the recording if you are prevented from participating live. The link for the recording will be sent by email within a few days after the webinar.