Master Training Specialist: Understanding Thorndike's Laws of Learning

Edward Thorndike in the early 1900s

developed the "Laws of Learning."

The laws have been restated and

supplemented since Thorndike first

postulated them. However, the Laws

of Learning are the fundamental

principles of the learning process.

Every instructor should consciously

apply these principles to maximize

learning.

Law of Readiness

People learn best when they are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to learn. This includes adequate rest, proper health, and avoiding distractions. A good example of the law of readiness is ensuring students from out of town have proper housing facilities (Maslow's first hierarchy). A student that is worrying about where their household goods are, or if their family is safe will not be ready to learn.

Students must also have the background knowledge they need as a foundation for the learning they will do in your classroom or trainer. Students need to have the prerequisite knowledge in order to be ready to learn more advanced theory.

Similarly, you must be ready to teach. 'Personalize and Prepare' your Lesson Plans with your sea stories and experiences. Plan your questions, choose the right phrasing, and write them into your Lesson Plan. Check out your classroom or trainer (lighting, cleanliness, etc.), Verify computer programs are loaded, and test your Instructor Station and Training Devices.

Law of Primacy

"It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks." That's because people retain the first thing they learn more readily than what they learn to replace 'bad data.' Correcting improper behaviors (a.k.a. "bad habits") is even harder, especially if reinforced at their previous or current command. So teach a procedure "right the first time" rather than making students 'unlearn' and then 'relearn' how to do it. It's easier and more effective that way.

Law of Intensity

If the learning experience is real, the information is retained longer. So make your training powerful by making it active! Vary your voice inflection; switch from lecture to questions to activities.

Make your training come to life by

providing 'hands-on' experiences. Use

leadership lesson's learned from the fleet to add an intense learning experience.

Law of Exercise

Practice makes perfect. We learn best by application of the information, meaningful practice and repetition. The key word is 'meaningful'. You can help your learners by reviewing homework assignments, quizzes and exams with your students. Make sure the lab exercises use the knowledge you delivered in the classroom, thus reinforcing the learning. Provide as much opportunities as possible for the students to practice tasks or activities.

Law of Effect

Positive feedback helps students to learn faster and retain better. Students retain information when there is an emotional response associated. This emotional response can be triggered by giving constructive feedback during and at the end of classroom and lab sessions (remember Maslow's Esteem Need?). A simply stated "good job" after a correct answer helps build a student's confidence and self worth and will encourage future participation.

Thorndike's laws are the basis for all instructional delivery. A solid application of these laws will enhance your instructional delivery and your student's retention.