Learning Theories

1. Behaviourism
Presented by: Surekha V S
Asst. Professor in Commerce Education
SVTEC, Akkikkavu

2. Meaning &
Features
Behaviourism
Meaning: Learning based on
the behaviour modification
of the learners
Features:
❏ Learners are passive
❏ Behaviour is shaped by
reinforcement
❏ Behaviourism is the
precursor to cognitive
learning
❏ Behaviour is the result
of stimulus-response
❏ Drill & practice are
common techniques for
learning

3. Theories of behaviourism
● Thorndike’s Trial & Error Theory
● Pavlov’s Theory of Classical Conditioning
● Skinner’s Theory of Operant Conditioning
● Hull’s Reinforcement Theory

4. Thorndike’s Trial & Error Theory
❖ Propounded by E L Thorndike, an American
Psychologist
❖ Various responses are tried until a solution
is attained
❖ Learning is the stamping in of the correct
responses & stamping out of the incorrect
responses through trial & error
❖ Learning is the process of elimination of
erroneous responses for the establishment of
correct responses on each trial

5. Features of Trial & Error Theory
❖ Learner makes random & variable responses
❖ Learner should be definitely motivated
❖ Learning is a gradual process through trial &
error
❖ Some responses lead to the goal
❖ With the increase in no. of trials, erroneous
responses will tend to be eliminated & correct
responses will be strengthened
❖ With the successive trials, the time taken to
perform the task decreases

6. Thorndike’s Law of Learning
1.Law of Readiness
When a conduction unit is ready to conduct,
for it to do so is satisfying. When a
conduction unit is not ready to conduct, for
it to conduct is annoying. When a conduction
unit is ready to conduct, not to conduct is

7. 2. Law of Exercise
Strengthening of S-R connection with practice
& their weakening when practice is not continued
a. Law of Use
b. Law of Disuse

8. 3. Law of Effect
When a modifiable connection between
stimulus & response is made & is accompanied by a
satisfying state of affairs, that connection’s
strength is increased. When it is accompanied by
an annoying state of affairs, its strength is
decreased

9. Educational Implications
➢ Attention to the importance of motivation &
reinforcement
➢ Review of learned material is necessary
➢ Importance given to the mental readiness of
learners
➢ More & more opportunities to apply the
knowledge already gained in the classroom
➢ Stress is given to what is being taught in one
situation should be linked with the past
experience of the learners