1

Introduction to Marine Mammal Training and Communication Fundamentals

Description
  • Description: This day will introduce the field of marine mammal training, its purpose, and the importance of effective communication. Learn about the different types of marine mammals trainers work with, their natural behaviors, and basic animal welfare principles. You'll also explore the fundamental principles of communication: clarity, consistency, and positive reinforcement. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Watch introductory videos on marine mammal training (e.g., from reputable zoos or aquariums). Search on YouTube for videos like "Introduction to Marine Mammal Training" or "Behind the Scenes at a Dolphin Show." - Read introductory articles on animal welfare and ethical training practices (e.g., articles from the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums). - Begin a journal to document your learning and reflections. - Expected Outcomes: Understand the basics of marine mammal training and the importance of communication in this field. Start building a foundation for ethical training practices.
Available

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
2

Understanding Animal Behavior and Body Language

  • Description: Learn about basic animal behavior principles, focusing on the concepts of operant conditioning (positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment, extinction). Focus on observing and interpreting marine mammal body language, understanding common signals of stress, and how to identify when an animal is engaged and learning. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Watch videos specifically focused on interpreting animal behavior, focusing on body language examples of marine mammals, such as "Understanding Dolphin Body Language." - Complete quizzes on operant conditioning (search online for free quizzes). - Practice observation skills by watching short videos of marine mammal interactions and identifying different behaviors. - Expected Outcomes: Develop a basic understanding of operant conditioning and begin to recognize different behaviors and body language in marine mammals.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
3

Building Rapport and Positive Reinforcement Techniques

  • Description: Focus on building a strong relationship with the animals. Learn about the importance of trust and positive reinforcement. Practice various reinforcement schedules and techniques, focusing on clicker training (if possible, purchase a clicker and practice using it with a pet or a stuffed animal). Learn about the different types of rewards and their effectiveness. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Watch videos on clicker training basics (search on YouTube for "clicker training basics"). - Practice using a clicker and positive reinforcement techniques with a pet, friend, or stuffed animal. - Research different types of rewards (e.g., food, toys, tactile interaction) and their use in training. - Expected Outcomes: Understand the importance of building rapport and learn basic positive reinforcement techniques. Start practicing clicker training skills.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
4

Effective Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

  • Description: Focus on clarity and consistency in communication. Learn about the importance of clear verbal cues (e.g., hand signals, target sticks) and how to deliver them effectively. Practice using different vocal tones and body language to communicate with animals. Focus on eliminating distracting elements in presentation. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Watch videos demonstrating clear communication techniques used by marine mammal trainers. - Practice using hand signals and vocal cues with a friend or family member. - Record yourself giving instructions and analyze your clarity. - Expected Outcomes: Understand the principles of clear communication and begin practicing verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
5

Training Basics: Targeting and Shaping

  • Description: Begin exploring fundamental training techniques: targeting and shaping. Learn how to use a target stick and how to shape behaviors. Practice breaking down complex behaviors into smaller steps. Understand the importance of patience and consistency. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Watch videos demonstrating targeting and shaping techniques (search for "Marine Mammal Training - Targeting" and "Shaping Behaviors"). - Practice targeting and shaping with a pet, friend, or a toy. Break down a simple task (like picking up an object) into small steps. - Journal your progress and challenges. - Expected Outcomes: Understand the principles of targeting and shaping. Begin practicing these foundational training techniques.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
6

Observation, Data Collection and Presentation Skills: Part 1

  • Description: Focus on the importance of observation and data collection. Learn how to accurately observe animal behavior and record information about training sessions. Learn how to start building a short presentation from a training scenario. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Watch videos showcasing examples of proper data collection in animal training. - Review templates for data collection (search online for "Animal Training Data Sheets"). - Start planning for a short presentation on a simple training technique. - Expected Outcomes: Develop basic observation skills, understanding how to record data and begin the process of assembling a presentation.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
7

Presentation Skills: Part 2 & Review

  • Description: Focus on building presentation skills, focusing on clarity, organization, and basic presentation delivery. Review the week's key concepts and consolidate learning through self reflection. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Practice presenting in front of a mirror or to a friend, focusing on clear and concise explanations. - Review the concepts of the week, writing down key takeaways from each day. - Watch a marine mammal presentation and take notes. - Expected Outcomes: Begin to develop basic presentation skills. Summarize and solidify learning from the week.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises

Share Your Learning Path

Help others discover this learning path