EDU101 GDB Solution Spring 2023

 

EDU 101

GDB Solution

Spring 2023

 

Q: Discuss briefly three laws of learning presented by Edward Thorndike.

 

Solution:

 

Edward Thorndike, an influential psychologist in the field of education, proposed several laws of learning that contribute to our understanding of how individuals acquire knowledge and skills. The Law of Learning is a principle that explains how people acquire new knowledge and skills. It states that learning is a process that involves the formation of associations between stimuli and responses. They emphasize the importance of consequences, practice, repetition, and readiness in facilitating the acquisition and retention of knowledge and skills.

 

Three laws of learning presented by Edward Thorndike:

1.    Law of Effect:

The Law of Effect states that behaviors followed by positive consequences are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by negative consequences are less likely to be repeated. Thorndike's experiments with animals, particularly cats in puzzle boxes, led him to observe that when a behavior was rewarded with a desirable outcome, the animal was more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. This law highlights the role of consequences in shaping and reinforcing behavior.

 

2.    Law of Exercise:

The Law of Exercise emphasizes the importance of practice and repetition in learning. According to this law, connections between stimuli and responses are strengthened through repeated associations. Thorndike believed that practice not only increased the efficiency of neural pathways but also facilitated the transfer of learning to new situations. The more frequently a response was reinforced, the stronger the association became, leading to improved learning and performance.

 

3.    Law of Readiness:

The Law of Readiness asserts that learners must be prepared and motivated to learn for effective learning to take place. Thorndike recognized that individuals have varying levels of readiness or willingness to engage in a particular task or learning experience. When learners are ready and motivated, they are more likely to actively participate and achieve better learning outcomes. Teachers should consider the student's level of readiness and create an optimal learning environment to foster engagement and maximize learning potential.