Beyond the Black Box

In our latest podcast episode, we explore what it means to bring learner-centeredness into animal training. Drawing from the American Psychological Association's 14 principles of learner-centered instruction, for the sake of time, we focus on 5 broader cornerstones. These cornerstones include learner-led, values-oriented, relevant to real life experiences, evidence-based and carefully crafted, and competency vs. skills based. Throughout the episode, we provide examples of how these cornerstones have been successfully implemented in cases; from soliciting feedback proactively with contrived communication systems, to engaging animals as collaborators and empowering them with the tools to construct pathways and solutions that we humans may not have conceived of as potential options. Click here to view a transcript of this episode. References: The 14 Learner-Centered Principles: ⁠https://www.apa.org/ed/governance/bea/learner-centered.pdf⁠ Veilleux, J. C. (2023). A Theory of Momentary Distress Tolerance: Toward Understanding Contextually Situated Choices to Engage With or Avoid Distress. Clinical Psychological Science, 11(2), 357–380. https://doi.org/10.1177/21677026221118327 Wilson K.G, Dufrene T. Mindfulness for two: An acceptance and commitment therapy approach to mindfulness in psychotherapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger; 2009.

In the 5th episode of the Beyond the Black Box Podcast, we delve into learning theories such as constructivism and cognitivism, examining how they embody the principles of learner-centered instructional design. Learner-centered teaching has long been the industry standard in the human realms of education and mental health; and is even becoming the norm for elite sports coaching. Learner-centeredness goes beyond caring for our clients, it involves dismantling power imbalances, engaging new perspectives, and learning alongside our learners as we empower them to forge new paths. Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Join Sara and Jenn in the fourth episode of Beyond the Black Box as they delve into the question of whether errorless learning can be harmful. Drawing on real-life experiences from learners, other pedagogical frameworks, and scientific literature regarding learning across species, the hosts reveal surprising insights about the potential for harm in errorless learning, and the benefits of engaging with errors in constructive ways. They look beyond the false dichotomy of either/or thinking pitting errorless learning against trial-and-error, to explore alternative learning theories that can help us achieve the desired benefits without the potential pitfalls. Click here for a transcript of this episode. References: Finn B, Metcalfe J. 2010. Scaffolding feedback to maximize long-term error correction. Mem. Cogn. 38:951–61 Friedman, S. (n.d.). Animal Behavior Management Alliance. In Tsk, No, Eh-eh: Clearing the Path to Reinforcement with an Errorless Learning Mindset. Tampa, FL; Behavior Works. Retrieved from https://www.behaviorworks.org/files/articles/Errorless%20Learning.pdf Izawa C. 1967. Function of test trials in paired-associate learning. J. Exp. Psychol.76:194–209 Kornell N, Hays MJ, Bjork RA. 2009. Unsuccessful retrieval attempts enhance subsequent learning. J. Exp. Psychol.: Learn. Mem. Cogn. 35:989–98 Kornell N, Klein PJ, Rawson KA. 2015. Retrieval attempts enhance learning, but retrieval success (versus failure) does not matter. J. Exp. Psychol.: Learn. Mem. Cogn. 41:283–94 Kornell N, Metcalfe J. 2006. Blockers do not block recall in tip-of-the-tongue states. Metacogn. Learn. 1:248–61 Metcalfe, J. (2016). Learning From Errors. Annual Review of Psychology, 68, 465–489. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.lafayette.edu/10.1146/annurev-psych-010416-044022 Skinner, B.F. (1968). The technology of teaching. Appleton-Century-Crofts. Stevenson H, Stigler JW. 1994. The Learning Gap: Why Our Schools Are Failing and What We Can Learn from Japanese and Chinese Education. New York: Simon & Schuster Terrace, HS. Errorless transfer of a discrimination across two continua. J Exp Anal Behav. 1963 Apr;6(2):223-32. doi: 10.1901/jeab.1963.6-223. PMID: 13980669; PMCID: PMC1404283. Wong, S.S.H. Deliberate Erring Improves Far Transfer of Learning More Than Errorless Elaboration and Spotting and Correcting Others' Errors. Educ Psychol Rev 35, 16 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09739-z

Join us as we explore the complex relationship and differences between choice, freedom, and agency in animal training; and delve into whether our current discussions surrounding agency are truly reaping the benefits described in the current literature to empower animals. The science is clear, agency isn't an aspiration, it's a prerequisite and fundamental component of instructional design. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking journey! Click here for a transcript of this episode. References:  Bandura, A. (n.d.). Agency. Albert Bandura Social Psychology. https://albertbandura.com/albert-bandura-agency.html  Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84, 191-215. Desnoyer, Brittany & Liu, Kimy. (2022). Personal Agency as a Component of Applied Behavior Analysis. Intervention in School and Clinic. 105345122211405. 10.1177/10534512221140529.  Hebert, Emmie & Flynn, Maureen & Wilson, Kelly & Kellum, Karen. (2021). Values Intervention as an Establishing Operation for Approach in the Presence of Aversive Stimuli. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. 20. 10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.04.001.  Maier SF, Seligman ME. Learned helplessness at fifty: Insights from neuroscience. Psychol Rev. 2016 Jul;123(4):349-67. doi: 10.1037/rev0000033. PMID: 27337390; PMCID: PMC4920136. Ming, S., Gould, E., & Fiebig, J. H. (2023). Understanding and applying relational frame theory: Mastering the foundations of complex language in our work and lives as behavior analysts. Context Press, New Harbinger Publications, Inc.  Veilleux, J. C. (2023). A Theory of Momentary Distress Tolerance: Toward Understanding Contextually Situated Choices to Engage With or Avoid Distress. Clinical Psychological Science, 11(2), 357–380. https://doi.org/10.1177/21677026221118327 Wilson, K. G., & DuFrene, T. (2009). Mindfulness for Two: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Approach to Mindfulness in Psychotherapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

In this episode, we introduce co-host Jenn Dize, self-described dog-nerd, as we recount the story of how Jenn's adorable and reactive pup Chloe, and TikTok prompted her to take a headlong leap into choice-based communication. How the R+2.0 community sparked a friendship fueled by our mutual passion for learning, animals, and science. We hope you all will join us in continuing to explore the boundaries of what may be possible in our lives and work alongside animals! Click here to find and follow Jenn and Chloe on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenn_and_chloe?_t=8dCFIIM8vxW&_r=1. The playlist documenting their ongoing journey with Choice-Based Communication can be found under the favorites tab. Click here for a transcript of this episode.

If we acknowledge the probability that animals experience cognitive distortions, how could we possibly apply practical strategies to address it? We don't have to read an animal's mind, we can act to combat the potential for false predictions not by acknowledging what will not be, but rather by modeling what will be. By crafting a learning environment that guarantees safety, and creates a space for them to explore the reality of whatever their expectations are. Crafting learning environments enables the learner to construct knowledge that benefits them as it relates to their past learning history and experiences, and how it may best contribute to their future needs. It offers a variety of paths toward the absorption of the necessary information. This type of teaching is at the forefront of human learning experiences, a learner-centered approach. It's not new or groundbreaking in theory or practice in the human realm, but it is so foreign to us in animal training, it's time we catch up. Click here for a transcript of this episode.