BASIC LEARNING THEORIES

Emphasize the establishment and strengthening of relationships between the Stimulus (S) and the Response (R) and the emphasize role of reinforcement in the learning process.

ASSOCIATION THEORIES

does not see learning as just a stimulus response interaction. They focus rather on the cognitive structure of man as a basis for learning.

COGNITIVE THEORIES

Connectionism/Associationism - It is the basic concept formulated by EDWARD LEE THORNDIKE.

- The findings of his studies were based mostly on experiments conducted with animals.

ASSOCIATION THEORIES or STIMULUS - RESPONSE

Human activity is based on association between stimulus and response.

Any activity is seen as:1. A situation which influences or affects the individual2. A response which the individual makes to the situation.

Premise of this theory

3. A connection between the situation and the response by means of which the former is enabled to produce the latter.

This connection is called the S-R bond.

It sees the Learner vary his responses by trial and error until He achieves a solution.

1.Law of Effect2.Law of Exercise3.Law of Readiness

THREE MAJOR LAWS OF LEARNINGbased on Thorndike’s Theory

States that a satisfying state of affairs following the response strengthens the connection between Stimulus and the behavior, whereas an annoying state weakens the connection.

LAW OF EFFECT

In the classroom situation, This Law implies that TEACHING should attempt to make the LEARNING experiences of children PLEASANT and GRATIFYING.

It describes the conditions implied in the saying “ Practice makes perfect.”

REPETITION of an experience increases the probability of a correct response.

LAW OF EXERCISE

Constant REPETITION of a response strengthens its connection with the stimulus.

Practical Educational practices such as: DRILL, REVIEW, AND EXAMINATION

LAW OF READINESS

It describes the conditions that refer to “ANNOYING OR SATISFYING” states.

It is related to the Law of effect and accounts for the motivational aspect of Learning.

This Law implies that Teachers must either:Wait for the readiness or accept the present level of readiness, and be satisfied with a slower learning rate in introducing any new learning.