FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)The Teaching Process and MethodsMedium
A flight instructor allows a student to practice an incorrect radio call several times without correction before finally fixing the error. Which law of learning best explains why this early, uncorrected practice will be especially hard to unlearn later?
- ALaw of Exercise
- BLaw of Effect
- CLaw of Recency
- DLaw of Primacy
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Law of Primacy
The Law of Primacy states that the first learning experience creates a strong, lasting impression; if something is learned incorrectly the first time, it must often be 'unlearned' before correct learning can occur, which is far harder than learning it correctly from the start.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Law of Exercise concerns repetition strengthening learning, not the timing of the first exposure.
- B. Law of Effect relates to how pleasant/unpleasant feelings strengthen or weaken learning, not first impressions.
- C. Law of Recency deals with material learned most recently being remembered best, not first.
Law of Primacy
One of the laws of learning stating that the first things learned create the strongest, most lasting impression.
- First learned material is hardest to change later
- Instructors should teach correct techniques the first time
- Bad habits learned early are especially difficult to correct
Memory trick: 'REEPIR' - Readiness, Exercise, Effect, Primacy, Intensity, Recency