Edward Thorndike 1874-1949

Edward Thorndike Brief history 1874: Born in Massachusetts 1895: Graduated from Wesleyan University (B.S.) 1897: Graduated from Harvard University (M.A.) 1898: PhD from Columbia University 1899-1939: Instructor/Director Teachers College at Columbia University

Thorndike’s path to discovering the Laws of Learning Thorndike studied how cats learned Hungry cats were rewarded with food Behavior changed as a result of consequences Led Thorndike to formalize the Law of Effect (1905) and the other Laws of Learning Hover mouse over video above to stop, pause, or play.

The Laws of Learning Behavioral learning theory based on connectionism Several laws were established, but three are directly attributed to Thorndike Law of Effect Law of Exercise Law of Readiness

The Laws of Learning Law of Effect Law of Exercise Law of Readiness Emotional reaction of the learner Positive outcomes = repeat behavior Law of Exercise Encourage repetition to acquire skills Practice makes perfect Law of Readiness Physical, mental and emotional state of the learner Cold room = negative learning experience

Thorndike and Adult Learning Thorndike parlayed his animal studies into research on adult learning Approached adult learning from a behavioral psychological perspective His 1928 book, Adult Learning, was the first to report results of research on adult learning Proved that adult learning doesn’t decline with age

Thorndike’s Impact Pioneered the study of education Gave future Behaviorist theorist a starting point with the Laws of Learning B. F. Skinner created the Skinner box to study Operant Conditioning Clark Hull elaborated on Thorndike’s view of connections between stimuli and response to create Hull’s system Changed the belief that adult mental development declined with age

References Knowles, M. (1970) The modern practice of adult education (Vol. 41). New York: Association Press Merriam, S. B. (2001) Andragogy and self-directed learning: Pillars of adult learning theory. New directions for adult and continuing education, 2001 (89), 3-14 Puzzle Box [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fanm--WyQJo Bregman, E. O. Thorndike, E. L., Tilton, J. W. and Woodward, E. (1928). Adult learning. New York: Macmillian