THEORIES OF LEARNING

Trial and Error Method

 WHAT IS LEARNING ?

• IT IS A PERMANENT CHANGE IN BEHAVOIUR

THAT OCCURES AS A RESULT OF PRACTICE
AND EXPERIENCE
 E.L Thorndike (1874-1949)
• This theory was expounded by American
Psychologist Thorndike in 1898.
• He conducted many experiments on cats ,
dogs , and fish and concluded that we learn
each and everything by making mistakes and
error.
• Trial and error theory also known as Stimulus-
Response theory.
 Trial and Error Learning
• It describes an organisms attempt to learn /solve a problem by
trying alternative possibilities until a correct solution or desirable
outcome is achieved .
• It usually involves –
• A number of attempts and a number of errors –before correct
behavior is learnt.
• Motivation (to achieve a goal)

• Exploration – either random or purposefully

• Reward - correct response is rewarded

Once learnt behavior will usually be performed quickly and with

fewer errors
EXPERIMENT
 Three laws of learning

• LAW OF READINESS
• LAW OF EXERCISE
• LAW OF EFFECT
 LAW OF READINESS

• Implies the degree of preparedness eagerness

to learn

• It is the preparation for action and attitude

and student learn best when mentally,
physically and emotionally ready.
 LAW OF EXERCISE

• Things that are most often repeated are best

remembered .

• It means that drill or practice increase

efficiency and durability of learning also called
law of use or disuse.
 LAW OF EFFECT

• Based on the emotional reaction and

motivation of the student ,it means positive
outcome=repeat behavior.

• Satisfying response strengthen the connection

of a response to occur again whereas if the
response of a situation is unsatisfying it is less
likely to occur again .
 Educational Implications
• According to this theory the task can be started
from easier aspects towards its difficult side.
This approach will benefit the weaker and
backward children.

• A small child learns some skill through trial and

error method only such as sitting ,standing ,
running etc. In teaching also the child rectifies
the writing after committing mistakes
• In this theory more emphasis has been laid on
Motivation. Without motivation there is no
learning.

• Practice leads a man towards maturity with the

help of this theory the wrong habits of the children
can be modified and the goal habits strengthened.

• The effect of reward and punishment also effect

the learning of the child . Thus the theory lay
emphasis on the use of reward and punishment in
the class by the teacher.
• The theory may be found quite helpful in changing
the behavior of the delinquent children. The teacher
should cure such children making use of this theory.

• With the help of this theory teacher can control the

negative emotions of the children such as anger ,
jealously etc.

• Teacher can improve his teaching methods making

use of this theory. He must observe the effect of
his/her teaching methods on the students and
should not hesitate to make necessary changes in
them ,if required.