Unit 3/4 Psychology Incursion
As part of their Area of Study of learning and behaviour, both Maddingley and Woodlea Unit 3/4 Psychology students participated in a unique and engaging incursion presented by Therapy Animals Australia.
During this interactive session, students met Dr Brad Rundle and his highly trained therapy dog, Radar. Dr Rundle demonstrated key concepts from the curriculum, including classical conditioning and operant conditioning, through real-time examples of behaviours that Radar had learned using these principles. Students observed how different learning techniques, such as reinforcement, association and stimulus discrimination, were applied in professional animal training.
This experience provided an invaluable opportunity for students to see theoretical concepts translated into practice. The session not only deepened their understanding of behavioural learning theories, but also highlighted the important role therapy animals play in supporting wellbeing, education and community engagement.
It was an informative, memorable and fun experience for students!
Sarah Thomson – Head of Science (Maddingley)
