Guiann Maris M.

Lumanas MAED-LT
EFD 504 | Advanced Educational Psychology
November 13, 2021

THE CONTRIBUTION BY SEVERAL PIONEERS IN PSYCHOLOGY

(1) WILLIAM JAMES
(2) JOHN DEWEY
(3) E. L. THORNDIKE

Several pioneers have contributed great works in the field of psychology.

William James, John Dewey, and Edward Thorndike are only few of the major
contributors in psychology. Their influences have paved the way to the
tremendous development of psychology which are all still relevant today.
First on the list is William James, who was often called as the Father of
American Psychology. His famous theoretical contributions are
Functionalism, James-Lange Theory, and Pragmatism. On the other hand,
John Dewey, also known as the Father of Education Philosophy, was known
as the early originator of Pragmatism. He greatly emphasized learning by
doing and focused on practical approach to problem solving. And lastly, we
have Edward L. Thorndike, the Father of Modern Educational Psychology. He
believed that learning is a product between stimulus and response. Therefore,
introduces his 3 Laws: Law of Readiness, Law of Effect, and Law of Exercise.
Among all the above-mentioned theories, I personally have connection
with Pragmatism. Everything under the sun can be best understood in terms of
their practical use. Inside the classroom, I believe that students learn best when
theories and principles are applied and experienced, and when teaching and
learning are kept practical. I’d like to state one of the many concrete examples
on how I was able to practice Pragmatism in one of my classes. During my
class in Mathematics, on the lesson about Tringle Congruence Postulate where
students need to identify key concepts about triangle congruence; and illustrate
SAS, ASA and SSS congruence postulates. I have thought of a finding a good
practical application of the concept, so I administered a Kite Project to

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emphasize the importance of triangle congruence in solving real-life problems
that requires stability. It was group activity, which I find really engaging and
collaborative.
This is just one of the many possible activities that we can employ inside
the classroom the encourages practical experiences and promotes life-long
learning. Thanks to the great names in Psychology, the pioneers, who have
made their names known over the years, and who have reached great heights
in the multifaceted discipline of Psychology.

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References:

Davis, Bem (2021). How Pragmatism be used in the Classroom. Retrieved

November 13, 2021, from https://www.mvorganizing.org/how-can-
pragmatism-be-used-in-the-classroom/

Cherry, Kendra (2020). Biography of John Dewey. Retrieved November 13,

2021, from https://www.verywellmind.com/john-dewey-biography-
1859-1952-2795515

Rasheed, Resalat (2021). Ten Famous Psychology Achievements. Retrieved

November 13, 2021, from https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.
co.uk/student-advice/what-to-study/ten-famous-psychology
achievements

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