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Question

Below is given a list of five types of learning indicated in a hierarchical arrangement as mentioned by Robert M. Gagne. From the code given select the correct hierarchy to show
your answer.
List
(i) Signal learning
(ii) Chain learning
(iii) Rule learning
(iv) Concept learning
(v) S - R learning

The correct answer is

(i), (v), (ii), (iv) and (iii)

Understanding Gagne's Hierarchy of Learning

Robert M. Gagne proposed a hierarchical model of learning, suggesting that learning tasks can be classified into different types based on their complexity. According to Gagne, learning proceeds from simple forms to more complex ones. Mastery of simpler levels is often prerequisite for learning at higher levels.

Gagne originally identified eight types of learning arranged in a hierarchy. The question provides a list of five of these types. To determine the correct hierarchical arrangement, we need to place these five types in order from the simplest to the most complex as described by Gagne.

The Five Types of Learning in the Question

Let's list the five types provided in the question:

  1. Signal learning
  2. Chain learning
  3. Rule learning
  4. Concept learning
  5. S - R learning (Stimulus-Response learning)

Placing the Types in Gagne's Hierarchy

Gagne's complete hierarchy includes eight levels. Let's see where the five types from the question fit into this hierarchy, starting from the lowest level:

  • Level 1: Signal Learning: The simplest form, involving classical conditioning where a general diffuse response is conditioned to a signal. This corresponds to (i) Signal learning.
  • Level 2: Stimulus-Response Learning: This involves operant conditioning, where a specific response is conditioned to a specific stimulus. This corresponds to (v) S - R learning.
  • Level 3: Chaining: Linking a sequence of S-R connections to form a more complex behavior. This corresponds to (ii) Chain learning.
  • Level 4: Verbal Association: A type of chaining, but specifically involving verbal links. (Not listed in the question)
  • Level 5: Discrimination Learning: Learning to make different responses to similar stimuli. (Not listed in the question)
  • Level 6: Concept Learning: Learning to respond to stimuli as a class rather than individually, based on shared properties. This corresponds to (iv) Concept learning.
  • Level 7: Rule Learning: Learning a relationship between concepts (e.g., a principle or a rule). This corresponds to (iii) Rule learning.
  • Level 8: Problem Solving: Using previously learned rules to solve a novel problem. (Not listed in the question)

Arranging the Five Types Hierarchically

Based on Gagne's model, the five types listed in the question arranged from the lowest (simplest) to the highest (most complex) level are:

  1. Signal learning (Level 1) - (i)
  2. S - R learning (Level 2) - (v)
  3. Chain learning (Level 3) - (ii)
  4. Concept learning (Level 6) - (iv)
  5. Rule learning (Level 7) - (iii)

So, the correct sequence of the types given in the question is (i), (v), (ii), (iv), (iii).

Comparing with the Options

Let's compare our derived sequence (i), (v), (ii), (iv), (iii) with the given options:

  • Option 1: (i), (v), (ii), (iv) and (iii)
  • Option 2: (i), (ii), (iv), (v) and (iii)
  • Option 3: (iii), (ii), (i), (v) and (iv)
  • Option 4: (iii), (iv), (v), (i) and (ii)

Our derived sequence matches Option 1.

Summary of the Hierarchy

Gagne's Level Type of Learning Corresponding item in Question
1 Signal Learning (i) Signal learning
2 Stimulus-Response Learning (v) S - R learning
3 Chaining (ii) Chain learning
4 Verbal Association Not listed
5 Discrimination Learning Not listed
6 Concept Learning (iv) Concept learning
7 Rule Learning (iii) Rule learning
8 Problem Solving Not listed

Focusing only on the types listed in the question and their relative positions in the hierarchy, the correct order is (i), (v), (ii), (iv), (iii).

Revision Table: Gagne's Hierarchy of Learning

Level Type of Learning Simple Explanation
1 Signal Learning Learning an involuntary response to a signal.
2 Stimulus-Response Learning Learning a voluntary response to a specific stimulus.
3 Chaining Linking together multiple S-R pairs.
4 Verbal Association Linking verbal items (e.g., names, facts).
5 Discrimination Learning Responding differently to different stimuli.
6 Concept Learning Responding to stimuli as a group based on shared features.
7 Rule Learning Applying principles or relationships between concepts.
8 Problem Solving Using learned rules to solve new situations.

Additional Information: Implications of Gagne's Hierarchy for Teaching

Gagne's hierarchy has important implications for how educators design instruction. The hierarchy suggests that effective teaching should move learners through these levels of complexity. For example, before teaching students to apply a rule (Level 7), they should have mastered the necessary concepts (Level 6), discriminations (Level 5), and basic S-R responses or chains (Levels 2 & 3) that form the building blocks for that rule.

  • It emphasizes the importance of prerequisites: Ensure students have mastered lower-level skills before moving to higher ones.
  • It provides a framework for sequencing instruction: Start with simpler tasks and gradually introduce more complex ones.
  • It helps in analyzing learning objectives: Objectives can be categorized by the type of learning required, guiding teaching strategies.

Understanding this hierarchy helps educators create a structured and effective learning environment, ensuring that students build knowledge and skills incrementally.

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Important Questions from Principles and theories of learning - Teaching

  1. In Pavlovian conditioning paradigm, when presentation of unconditioned stimulus precedes that of neutral stimulus, the procedure is called

  2. In Gagne's hierarchy of learning which type of learning immediately precedes 'Rule learning'?

  3. Which of the following alternatives is most relevant in the context of Principles of Guidance? Choose the correct answer from the code given below.

    (i) Guidance is for all

    (ii) Guidance is based on individual differences

    (iii) Guidance is not a continuous process

    (iv) Guidance is intermittently organised

    (v) Guidance has a specific code of ethics

    (vi) Guidance is not the panacea for all ills

    (vii) Guidance is only for few who need it

  4. While attempting to apply Herzberg's model of motivation in education, which of the following will be called a motivation factor?

  5. "A child is born like a blank slate and its later behaviour is shaped by experience." The statement was first made by

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