Laws (Principles) of Learning
Thorndike, Edward L. (1974-194)
• Edward L. Thoseptember 18, 2013he laws of learning are based on his experiments on animal learning.
• Thorndike’s laws are also referred to as s-r learning.
• Learning laws (principles) are: • Readiness • Exercise • Effect • Primacy • Intensity • Recency • Freedom
Primary legislation
The following are the three primary laws of learning: • Law of effect • Law of exercise • Law of readiness
The law of effect.
• When learning is accompanied by a pleasant or satisfying feeling, learning is strengthened.
• Learning suffers when it is associated with an unpleasant feeling.
• Learning occurs properly when it results in satisfaction and pleasure for the learner.
• The classroom experiences should be satisfying and enjoyable. The teacher must enjoy his or her teaching job.
• Learning experiences and other activities must be relevant and understandable in terms of the learners’ personal lives.
• School activities should be organized in order of increasing difficulty so that students can progress without failing.
The exercise law
• According to this principle, the s-r connection is strengthened by use and weakened by disuse.
• It is divided into two parts: the law of use and the law of disuse.
• Things that are repeated frequently are remembered the best.
• Complex tasks are not learned in a single session by students.
• At reasonable intervals, the instructor must repeat important subject matter.
• The law of readiness states that motivation is required to form an association or exhibit changed behavior.
• People learn best when they are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to learn, and they do not learn well when there is no reason for them to learn.
Additional laws (principles) Primacy law
• What is learned first leaves a lasting impression.
• What is taught must be correct the first time around.
• “Unlearning” incorrect first impressions is more difficult than teaching them correctly the first time.
• What the student learns must be procedurally correct and applied the first time it is used.
The law of recency
• The most recent information is remembered the best.
• Frequent review and summarization aid in remembering the material covered.
• The sequence of lectures within a course of instruction is frequently determined by this principle.
The intensity law
• The more intensely taught material is more likely to be retained.
• A substitute will teach a student less than the real thing.
• In the classroom, demonstrations, skits, and role playing enhance students’ learning experiences.
• The best way to learn something is to learn it freely.
• The greater the freedom enjoyed by students in class, the greater their intellectual and moral advancement.
Conclusion • Understanding these laws allows the teacher to gain a better understanding of the students’ learning behaviors.

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