Mansa College of Education Topic – Theories of Learning 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) Pavlov’s classical conditioning Theory Thorndike’s trial & Error or Bond Theory Skinner’s Operant Conditioning Theory Hull’s Reinforcement Theory Gestall or Insight Theory Kurt-Lewin’s Field Theory 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 – Food Salivation Bell A schematic diagram of the procedure is as under – Before Training (Conditioning) Bell (CS) Training – (Head turning cocking of errs) Bell (CS) & Meat Poweder (UCS) – Salivation (UCR) After training 3. Bell (CS) – Salivation (CR)

Education Implications - This theory is helpful in developing different types of aptitudes in children. Good habits can be developed in children on the basis of conditioned response theory. The spirit of discipline can be inculcated in children with the help of this theory. The teacher can use this theory to conduct teaching work keeping the individual differences of the children in mind. The teacher can also use this theory for eradicating children’s fear etc. 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 - Motive – The individual has gat certain motives, goal, purpose or discomfort etc & therefore he reacts. Responses – Many responses are made to the situation. Elimination of response – More elimination of unsuccessful or wrong form of response/activity. Integration of response – Finally there is integration & establishment of responses by which goal is achieved or purpose is fulfilled.

Educational Implication - Students should be motivated or get them ready for learning a particular task. Sufficient Practice is required to get the mastery over the work. 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 -

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