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Merlin Carl Wittrock (January 3, 1931 – November 28, 2007) was an American educational psychologist. He received the E. L. Thorndike Award in 1987.

Early life

He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho in 1931. He received a bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri and his PhD from the University of Illinois.

Work

Generative theory of learning

Wittrock is best known for his generative theory of learning. He first published this theory in 1974. It is the parent of many current theories of academic motivation.

Personal life

Wittrock had three children with his wife, Nancy. He died of heart failure in November 2007 at the age of 76.

References

1. ^ Mayer, Richard E. "Merlin C. Wittrock's enduring contributions to the science of learning." Educational Psychologist 45.1 (2010): 46-50.
2. "UCLA education professor influenced teacher training". Los Angeles Times, 8 December 2007.
3. Wittrock, Merlin C. "Learning as a generative process". Educational psychologist 11.2 (1974): 87-95.
4. Anderman, Eric M. "Reflections on Wittrock's generative model of learning: a motivation perspective." Educational Psychologist 45.1 (2010): 55-60.
5. Shaena Engle. "Obituary: Merlin C. Wittrock, 76, UCLA professor emeritus of education". UCLA Newsroom, 5 December 2007.
6. HighBeam

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