An Introduction to Theories of Learning

Clearly written and user-friendly, this comprehensive book defines learning and shows how the learning process is studied. It places learning in an historical perspective, and provides appreciation for the figures and theories that have shaped 100 years of learning theory research. It presents essential features of the major theories of learning in the words of the theorists, introducing readers to the pioneering work of E.L. Thorndike, Ivan Pavlov, B.F. Skinner, Clark Hull, Edwin Guthrie, William Estes, the Gestalt psychologists, Jean Piaget, E.C. Tolman, Albert Bandura, Donald Hebb, and Robert Bolles; and examines some of the relationships between learning theory and educational practices. An excellent reference work for those involved in education and learning.

This comprehensive text is the only current text that utilizes the great theory/great theorist approach. Each chapter focuses on the contributions of influential theorists (e.g., Thorndike, Pavlov, Skinner, Hull, Piaget etc.), traces the historical development of their theories, and considers how they relate to educational practice.