Summary of Ivan Pavlov, Edward Thorndike, Robert Gagne

The following people contribute much in behavioral and cognitive theories of

learning: Ivan Pavlov, Edward Thorndike & Robert Gagne.
As a result of Pavlovs experiment, he discovered the principles of classical
conditioning theory. First principle is stimulus generalization which refers to process
by which conditioned response transfer to other stimuli that are similar to original
conditioned stimulus. Second is generalization, the transfer of response to situation
which the original learning occurred.
Example, a child afraid of dentist may transfer that fear to anybody who is wearing
white, nurse/doctor. Next is discrimination, process by which we learn not to
respond to similar stimuli in the classroom, children might not able to discriminate
letters v from u which lead to reading problem. And lastly is the extinction, a
process by which conditioned response are lost. A child warned of strict teacher but
after several weeks with teacher, he discovers the teacher is kind.
Edward Thorndike developed his 3 laws of learning:
1. Law of effect - pertains that pupils learn more effectively and easily, and
retain the learning longer if it has pleasant consequences
(rewards/reinforcements).
2. Law of readiness - is when a child forced to read may acquire skills but may
not necessarily develop the desire to read.
3. Law of exercise- when the students practice they should be aware of the
consequences of what they are doing.
Robert Gagne suggested that a task would best learn by the following
Sequence of nine events:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Gaining attention.
Informing the learner of the objective.
Stimulating recall of prerequisite learning.
Presenting new material.
Providing learning guidance.
Eliciting performance.
Providing feedback about performance.
Assessing performance.
Enhancing retention and recall.

Prepared by:
Abucay, Myreen
Bontor, Novelyn
Daisog, Dante
Lastomen, Cleo Jessa
Luzano, Jernalyn