1. Edward Thorndike

2. 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
: Instructor/Director Teachers College at Columbia University

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 Bregman, E. O. Thorndike, E. L., Tilton, J. W. and Woodward, E. (1928). Adult learning. New York: Macmillian