Session – 2014-15
Subject - Psychology
Topic – Theories of Learning
Presented by :Mrs. Punam Sahu
Asst. Prof.
Synopsis -
Introduction
Meaning of Learning
Definitions of Learning
Theories of Learning
Associative Theories
Fields Theories
Thorndike’s Trail & Error Theory
Conclusion
Introduction -
Learning is the most important topic of
educational Psychology. Much of the human
behaviour depends upon learning.
Learning is a fundamental process of life.
without it, life can not exist & no progress com take
place learning is a process of change not a product
in the form of changed behaviour.
Meaning of Learning -
Learning means, “Exercise or experience help change
in behaviour”.
Definitions of Learning –
“Learning is a process of progressive behaviour adaptation”.
- Skinner
“Learning is the acquisition of habits, knowledge & attitudes”.
- Crow & Crow
“Learning is the modification of behaviour through experience
& training”
- Gates & Others
Theories of Learning
Theories of Learning
Connectionist Theories/Associative
Theories(S-R)
Cognitive Theories/Field theories(S-O-R)
(a) Pavlov’s classical
conditioning Theory
(b) Thorndike’s trial &
Error or Bond
Theory
(c) Skinner’s Operant
Conditioning
Theory
(d) Hull’s
Reinforcement
Theory
(a) Gestall or Insight
Theory
(b) Kurt-Lewin’s Field
Theory
(c) Tolman’s Theory
Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning Theory -
This theory was Propounded by the famous Russain
Psychologist, I.V. Pavlov in 1904.
This theory is concerned with Physiology & the strong
supporters of this theory are behaviorists.
According to behaviorists, “Learning is habit formation
resulting from conditioning”.
Meaning of Theory -
This is learning from the behavriouristic viewpoint
according to this viewpoint learning is “formation of
conditioned reflexes” or “a habit formation”, so that behaviour
may become automatic.
- Conditioned learning actually means responding
normally by a natural response to an unnatural situation.
For example, we have watering of the mouth seeing a
‘Gulab Jamun’.
Experiment –
The Russian Psychologist Ivan Pavlov experimental for
long on dogs to study how the stimuli & responses are
associated with different types of the stimuli of bell.
In his experiment, he took a dog, kept him in a room &
repeatedly gave the ringing of the bell, as a stimulus, soon
followel by food (Piece of meat) which led to salivation.
Bell & food were presented in a sequence over a number of
times (about seven days) & at every trail there was
salivation, because there was food seen or smell soon after
the ringing of the bell.
A stage reached when ringing of the bell led to normal
salivation even when there was no food supplied.
A schematic diagram of the procedure is as under –
Before Training (Conditioning)
1. Bell (CS) Training – (Head turning cocking of errs)
2. Bell (CS) & Meat Poweder (UCS) – Salivation (UCR)
After training
3. Bell (CS) – Salivation (CR)
Bell
Food
Salivation
Education Implications -
1. This theory is helpful in developing different types of
aptitudes in children.
2. Good habits can be developed in children on the basis of
conditioned response theory.
3. The spirit of discipline can be inculcated in children with the
help of this theory.
4. The teacher can use this theory to conduct teaching work
keeping the individual differences of the children in mind.
5. The teacher can also use this theory for eradicating
children’s fear etc.
6. Theornadike’s Trial & Error Theory OR S-R bond Theory.
Thorndike’s Trail & Error Theory OR S-R Bond Theory -
Meaning of Theory -
In 1913, Thorndike’s Propounded an important law of
learning. This law of Thorndike is called by several names, such
as trail & Error Theory, S-R Theory & Bond Theory
According to thorndike, the learning process completes
in the person’s brain.
- Thorndike has written – “Learning is connecting The
mind is man’s connection system”.
Experiment of Thorndike -
Thorndike conducted several experiments to prove his
law. In one experiment, he caged a hungry cat. The door of the
cage could be opened by pressing a letter. A piece of fish was
kept outside the cage in the form of stimulus which could be
clearly seen by the cat. Seeing the piece of fish, the cat started
its responses.
- It trial to come out of the cage for a long time. By chance
its paw fell on the lever & the door opened. Now the food
kept outside was accessible to it. This experiment was
repeated by Thondike several times.
- Finally a time came when the cat was able to open the
door of the cage without having to make any error.
- Under this law, Thorndike’s law of trial & error given the
greatest significance.
Characteristic Features Trail & Error Theory -
1. Motive – The individual has gat certain motives, goal,
purpose or discomfort etc & therefore he reacts.
2. Responses – Many responses are made to the situation.
3. Elimination of response – More elimination of
unsuccessful or wrong form of response/activity.
4. Integration of response – Finally there is integration &
establishment of responses by which goal is achieved or
purpose is fulfilled.
Educational Implication -
1. Students should be motivated or get them ready for learning
a particular task.
2. Sufficient Practice is required to get the mastery over the
work.
3. Teacher should use various motivation techniques e.g.,
rewards & reinforcement techniques for better results.
Skinner’s Theory of Operant Conditioning -
Meaning of theory –
The theory of operant conditioning was propounded by
B.F. Skinner.
Types of Responses : Responses are of two types :
1. Elicited response and
2. Emitted response
Experiment of Skinner -
Education Implication -
Thank you
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