Human Learning, Fourth Edition [Hardcover]

Jeanne Ellis Ormrod (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130941999 | ISBN-13: 978-0130941992 | Publication Date: July 25, 2003 | Edition: 4

This best-seller covers a wide range of theories—conditioning, social-cognitive, information processing, and social constructivism—while providing solid material on the psychology of motivation. The author's lucid prose demonstrates how different concepts of learning relate to one another; dozens of proven examples emphasize meaningful learning and the implications of the latest research. Clearly and entertainingly written, this book covers the following topics: learning and the brain; behaviorism and classical conditioning; effects of aversive stimuli; social-cognitive theory; long-term memory; complex learning and cognition; and motivation. An obvious resource for teachers of students of all ages and backgrounds, this book can be an interesting read for those involved in any facet of the learning process; as well as psychologists and therapists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Jeanne Ellis Ormrod often receives mail from students who have gone out of their way to let her know how much her books have impacted their academic careers.  Here are just a couple of quotes Jeanne Ormrod has recently received.

 

“I have NEVER written to a texbook writer in all my years (20+) of attending college, but I have to tell you that your textbook was excellent! I read the entire thing, and I just want to thank you for making the material so personal that it was not only interesting, but easy to comprehend and absord! You are awesome! Had to tell you that! Keep up the good work!”

 

“The way that you relate almost every topic to a situation that is graspable to anybody makes it exciting to read. I even read the chapters that were left out of the curriculum, something I haven’t done in years! (I started studying in 2002). So, with this, I would like to thank you for writing a book that has opened my once closed mind. I passed all my classes last semester, without you and your fantastic teaching device I do not think I would have gotten back on my feet again, I see the light in the end of the academic tunnel now.”

 

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

A thorough, straightforward introduction to human learning. Presentation, topic choice, and language are intended for education majors, and included are a wealth of educational examples and applications. The well-balanced treatment of different perspectives on learning teaches students that each perspective has validity, and that different situations call for different approaches. While the background and roots of learning theory are thoroughly discussed, the emphasis is clearly on contemporary perspectives and developments. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 608 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4 edition (July 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130941999
• ISBN-13: 978-0130941992
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,982 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jeanne Ellis Ormrod is an educational psychologist and the author of Educational Psychology: Developing Learners and Human Learning (now both in their 4th editions) and coauthor of Practical Research (soon to be released in its 8th edition), all published by Merrill/Prentice Hall. She received her Ph.D. and M.S. in educational psychology at The Pennsylvania State University and an A.B. in psychology from Brown University; she also earned certification in school psychology through postdoctoral work at Temple University and the University of Colorado, Boulder. She was Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado from 1976 until 1998, when she moved east to return to her native New England. She is now affiliated with the University of New Hampshire, where she teaches courses in educational psychology. She has worked as a middle school geography teacher and school psychologist, and has conducted research in cognition and memory, cognitive development, spelling, and giftedness. When Jeanne is not teaching, writing, reading professional books and journals, or monitoring the diverse activities of her three grown children, she enjoys-boating, playing racquetball, and walking on the beach with her husband.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Human Learning, June 4, 2000

By 

Wendy Whisker (United Arab Emirates) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Human Learning (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

This is an amazingly well written text. Ms Ormrod actually practices what she preaches, so the book is organised as an exemplar of how to help students learn. I bought the book as an optional text for a Masters in Education, then I sat up one night to check it out. It became compulsive reading, very hard to put down. It gives a broad overview of Educational Psychology thinking over a wide period of time, and encapsulates it. It is full of useful references. Many of my colleagues have borrowed this book for various courses and for course development for educational projects.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a good practical reference book for teachers., September 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Human Learning (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

Human learning gives a good basic understanding of learning theory for teachers and others who are interested in educational psychology. There are some very good examples for all theories discussed. The book jumps around a bit and some of the explanations are too technical.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended for graduate level, December 29, 2008

By 

Daniel T. Pollitt - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Human Learning (5th Edition) (Hardcover)

As a doctoral student in special education, I enrolled in a human learning theory class with other masters and doctoral students. This book was assigned and after a semester with it, I can say I "survived" this horrible text.

It reads like the author's personal life story. There is little professionalism in the text, but I did learn plenty about the author's family, children, collegiate life, etc. This book is more than sufficient for undergraduate learning, but in an advance course, this book falls flat on its face and leaves the reader wishing for a more mature presentation.