Applying Learning Theories to Health Care Practice

Principles of Learning (Thorndike's)

Readiness

• Learning occurs best when individuals are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared
• Instructor's responsibility: create interest, show subject matter value, and provide continuous mental or physical challenge

Exercise

• Repetition enhances memory retention
• Instructor's responsibility: repeat important subject matter at reasonable intervals and provide opportunities for practice

Effect

• Emotional reaction and motivation strengthen learning
• Instructor's responsibility:
• Use positive reinforcement and commend improvement
• Avoid punishment in the classroom
• Set up learning situations for students to achieve success and see progress

Primacy

• First learned material creates a strong impression and is difficult to erase
• Instructor's responsibility: present subject matter correctly and in a logical order from the start

Recency

• Recently learned material is often best remembered
• Instructor's responsibility:
• Summarize lessons or learning situations
• Repeat, restate, or reemphasize important points at the end of a lesson

Intensity

• Intense learning experiences enhance retention
• Instructor's responsibility:
• Use imagination to approach reality
• Use varied instructional aids, demonstrations, and role-playing
• Emphasize important points with gestures, showmanship, and voice
• Engage students' senses

Requirement

• Learning requires access to necessary tools, skills, or resources
• Instructor's responsibility: provide necessary materials and instructions for students to achieve their goals

Freedom

• Learning occurs best when students have personal responsibility and autonomy
• Instructor's responsibility: provide freedom for students to take ownership of their learning process