Laws of Human Learning 

Laws of Learning

Learning is a fundamental ingredient in the education of a child. Therefore, a teacher must understand fully, how learning takes place in the best possible manner, in this connection, it is imperative that the teacher should know what are called ‘Laws of Learning’ as given by Thorndike and others. They must be accepted and fundamental laws of learning are:

(i) Law of Readiness (ii) Law of Exercise (iii) Law of Effect ´(iv) Law of Recency ´(v) Law of Intensity of Stimulus

(i) Law of Readiness

This law emphasizes the importance of readiness to learn. "When a person feels ready to learn or to act, he learns or acts, more effectively and with greater satisfaction than when not ready". This implies that the learner must be mentally prepared to learn. This emphasizes the importance of motivation in learning. The learner must be brought in the proper frame of mind, and his curiosity must be increased for bringing about effective learning.

(ii) Law of Exercise

This law implies that learning takes place by exercising, i.e. by doing or by actively participating in the performance. We learn what we do, and we do not learn what we do not do. That is why this law is also called ‘Law of Use’ and ‘Law of Disuse. (i) Law of Use, ‘When a modifiable connection is made between a situation and a response, that connections strength is decreased, this emphasizes the need and importance of practice. In other words ‘Practice makes perfect’. (ii) Law of Disuse. ‘When a modifiable connection is not made between a situation and a response over a length of time, that connection’s strength is decreased, this law implies the negative value of lack of practice.

(iii) Law of Effect

This law implies that if our efforts are accompanied by a feeling of achievement or satisfaction, we are further inspired to learn, and therefore, effective learning takes place, if our efforts are not accompanied by a feeling of satisfaction, not much of real learning will take place. In other words we may say that a response, which gives achievement of the goal and thus provides satisfaction, will be stamped in, while those, which are accompanied by dissatisfaction, will be stamped out.

(iv) Law of Recency

Recency occurrences are most vivid in our minds. The process of forgetfulness sets in as more and more time is elapsed. We remember these things better, which are comparatively recent. This emphasizes the importance of revision. The students should revise occasionally so that the things are again refreshed in their mind. Revision should be done after short intervals and also just before the examination. Without revision a student is apt to forget even the best-assimilated matter.

(v) Law of Intensity of Stimulus

The stronger the stimulus, the greater the learning. Thus, if stimulus is strong, the response will be strong.  A student, who is more serious and enthusiastic about his studies, will make greater progress and achievement. The more serious and enthusiastic a student, the greater this achievement.