The Big Bang Theory
Season 03 Episode 03
"The Gothowitz Deviation"
Edward Thorndike's
Connectionism Theory
Topical
Overview
By: Joscelyn Martinez
EDU 150 Dr West
- Definition of Connectionism
- Experimental Basis
- Key Elements of this theory
- Relation to the classroom
- ADEPT standard 9 a
- Textbook Examples
- Connectionism Summary
- Closing Remarks
Definition
Connectionism: Learning is the outcome of making connections between an action and any following responses towards the action.
- Connections once made, are referred to as "habits"
Note: This is not Behavior modification theory, but this theory provided it's framework
Relation to the Classroom
Experimental Basis
Edward Thorndike (1874 - 1949)
Thorndike originally experimented on animals with "puzzle boxes".
The animals had to complete a task such as pull a lever to get out of the box and get the treat outside.
www.donnach.com (for note)
elearningindustry.com
Key Elements
1. Rewards facilitate learning vs. punishments discourage learning; consequences of action (Law of Effect)
2. Learning involves practice (Law of Exercise)
3. If a child is ready developmentally to learn, they can learn; if not they cannot. Frustration stems from being unable.(Law of Readiness)
4. Knowledge is transferred based on past experiences
5. Intelligence is established by the number of learned connections
principlesoflearning.wordpress.com
elearningindustry.com
Factors for 9.A:
1) Mental set for management
2) Building positive teacher-student relationships
3) Reinforcing desired behaviors
Class Textbook Chapter 9
pg. 247-255
References
- Big Bang Theory Clip, Season 3 Episode 3 "The Gothowitz Deviation"
- Class Textbook: Pearson Methods for Effective Teaching 7th edition. Chapter 9 "Classroom Management", pg. 247-255.
- http://www.encyclopedia.com/people/social-sciences-and-law/sociology-biographies/edward-l-thorndike
- http://www.simplypsychology.org/edward-thorndike.html
- https://www.nap.edu/read/9853/chapter/3#7
- https://elearningindustry.com/connectionism
- https://principlesoflearning.wordpress.com/dissertation/chapter-3-literature-review-2/the-behavioral-perspective/connectionism-edward-l-thorndike-%E2%80%93-1898/
- http://www.donnach.com/exploring-disparate-perspectives-of-learning-to-discover-best-practices-in-teaching/behaviorism-producing-behavior-change/thorndike-s-connectionism/
- http://ed.sc.gov/scdoe/assets/file/programs-services/50/documents/ADEPTStandards.pdf
Connectionism
Summary
- Edward Thorndike based his theory on his previous animal experiments.
- It states learning occurs once connections are made between an action and a given response.
- The most important key element is the Law of Effect (otherwise known as consequences of your own actions).
- Easily connected to ADEPT standard 9.a
Factor
Examples
Mental Set:
- Monitor regularly and react immediately (Withitness)
Closing
Remarks
Thorndike's theory would be revised and used as a basis for future theories;
- i.e. Skinner added operant conditioning within behaviorism (Behavior Modification)
- . Pavlov added concepts of conditioned stimulus (actions), reinforcement, and extinction within psychology
Positive Relationships:
- Use disciplinary interventions (Dominance)
- Enable success w/ content that reflects prior learning (Care and Support)
- High ratio of positive to negative statements(C&S)
- Be fair and consistent (C&S)
"Do not be afraid to voice new ideas, even if they aren't perfect because they could spark a movement that could change our entire perspective"
-Joscelyn M
Reinforcing (Rewarding) Behavior:
- Social reinforcers i.e. praise
- Activity reinforcers i.e. special privileges
- Tangible reinforcers i.e. awards
- Token reinforcers i.e. stars
Class Textbook Chapter 9
pg. 247-255