When we think about learning theories, our mind may not jump to salivating dogs, but surely the concept rings a bell.

Pavlov’s theory on classical conditioning is one for the books. It shows that a neutral stimulus can be associated with a ‘reflex’, in this case, dogs came to associate the chime of a bell with dinnertime. So instead of salivating when food was served, they were found to independently salivate with or without food.

The key idea is that learning can occur independent of conscious effort – rather by association.

This explains perhaps why some people have curious phobias that seem to make no sense but may be rooted in something deeper, a connection made that the sufferer may not even be aware of.

So can we simply learn by osmosis? How great would it be if we could just sit next to our textbook and passively absorb the knowledge by being in the same place.

Far from it, unfortunately. We have a ways to go to figure out how learning truly operates.

If you’re an eternal student like me, stay tuned for more learning theories.

Have a great week,

MJ