Reward-Based Learning (What)

Reward-based learning (RBL) is a process where a person or animal learns based on the natural brain responses to rewards and adverse consequences.

Reward-Driven Learning

A person or animal takes an action, receives a reward, and repeats the action multiple times. This repetition leads to the brain rewiring itself to take this action automatically or nearly so.

Adverse Consequence-Driven Learning

A person or animal takes an action, experiences an adverse consequence one or more times, leading the brain to rewire itself to avoid taking this action.

Reward-based learning is natural and is influenced in part by chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin.

• Here are some examples of rewards:
  • Intrinsic: Satisfaction, enjoyment, insights, self-awareness, confidence, etc.
  • Extrinsic: Praise, social prestige or status, financial rewards, trophies, wins, etc.
• Here are some examples of adverse consequences:
  • Internal Feelings: Fear, anger, frustration, self-loathing, etc.
  • External Consequences: Criticism, social isolation, financial penalties, loss of status, etc.

Examples of RBL

1. A person starts learning Python coding. As they code, they receive rewards from their successes and insights. Thus, they keep learning and improving.

2. After getting sunburned several times, a person learns to take proper precautions (sunscreen, clothing, seeking shade, limiting time exposure, etc.) to avoid this.

3. Most dog training involves rewarding the dog repeatedly with treats and praise as the dog takes the actions that the trainer desires. After multiple practice sessions, the dog’s brain changes, and they perform the command automatically.

4. A person sets a goal to learn leadership. As they practice their skills, they receive rewards which, in turn, increase their motivation for learning and improving.

Rationale

Here are some reasons why RBL is worth understanding:

1. Greatly increase your own learning by tweaking the process.

2. Greatly increase the learning of others when you are in a teaching role. For example, if you are a parent, manager, leader, mentor, peer who helps others, classroom teacher, etc.

3. Troubleshoot and fix learning problems for yourself and others.

4. RBL is fundamental for learning dog training or training other animals.

RBL (How To)

Your Own Learning

When you need or want to learn something, pay attention and continually drive up your rewards and reduce the adverse consequences. Focus on rewards that are intrinsic. Strive to make the learning so enjoyable as to be addictive.

Guiding the Learning of Others

Once you have developed the skills to make your own learning rewarding, use the mentoring process to guide others. I will describe mentoring at some future time.