Edward Lee Thorndike

Life Span: 31 August 1874 - 09 August 1949

Studied about behaviorism in animals which led to the theory of connectionism. He also helped lay the scientific foundation and framework for educational and behavioral psychology as we know it today.

Two main aspects of Thorndike's theories are the Law of Effect and the Law of Exercise.

Law of Effect - Responses in a certain situation with positive effects will strengthen the person and those responses are more likely to occur in those situations. For example, if a person receives positive reinforcement for a job well done, they are more likely to do a good job in the future.

Law of Exercise - Connections and responses become stronger when practiced and weaken when not used.

These both can have a large impact on teaching. If we, as educators, work to create good effects for students efforts, and have them repeat those efforts, then students will have a propensity to remember what they learned and will want to continue learning.

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