The 6 Laws of Learning by Edward L. Thorndike: A Guide for Nursing Students to Improve their Learning and Patient Care Skills

Nursing education involves the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are essential for effective patient care. Learning is a critical component of nursing education as it forms the foundation for clinical practice. Edward L. Thorndike, a prominent psychologist and educator, identified six laws of learning that are applicable in nursing education. These laws are the Law of Effect, Law of Exercise, Law of Readiness, Law of Primacy, Law of Recency and Law of Intensity. This article explores these laws and how they can be applied in nursing education.

The Laws of Learning

Law of Effect

The Law of Effect states that behavior that is followed by a positive consequence is more likely to be repeated, while behavior that is followed by a negative consequence is less likely to be repeated. In nursing education, this law can be used to reinforce positive behaviors and discourage negative behaviors. For example, a nursing instructor can praise a student who demonstrates empathy towards a patient, which increases the likelihood of the student demonstrating empathy in future interactions with patients. On the other hand, a student who fails to follow infection control procedures can receive corrective feedback to discourage similar behavior in the future.

Law of Exercise

The Law of Exercise states that neural connections in the brain are strengthened through repeated practice. In nursing education, this law can be applied by encouraging students to engage in deliberate practice of specific skills and concepts. For example, nursing students can repeatedly practice medication administration procedures to improve their competency and confidence in administering medications. Additionally, nursing educators can incorporate simulation-based learning activities that allow students to practice and receive feedback on specific clinical scenarios.

Law of Readiness

The Law of Readiness suggests that learners are more likely to be motivated to learn when they are mentally and physically prepared. In nursing education, this law can be applied by ensuring that students are prepared and motivated to learn before engaging in educational activities. For example, students can review previous material, set clear learning objectives, and identify personal interests and goals related to the material.

Law of Primacy

The Law of Primacy states that the first experience with a new stimulus or behavior is the most impactful. This law is based on the premise that the first time a nursing student is exposed to new information or a new skill, they are more likely to remember it in the long term. This is why it is essential for nursing students to receive accurate information and proper training from the very beginning of their education.

Law of Recency

The Law of Recency states that the most recent experience with a stimulus or behavior is the most impactful. This law is based on the premise that the most recent exposure to information or a skill is the most likely to be remembered. Nursing students must make a conscious effort to review and practice new skills frequently to ensure that they are not forgotten.

Law of Intensity

The Law of Intensity states that the more intense a stimulus is, the more likely it is to affect behavior. In the context of nursing education, this law suggests that nursing students are more likely to remember and learn from highly impactful experiences. For example, if a nursing student is involved in a medical emergency, they are more likely to remember the experience and apply the knowledge gained in future situations.

Applying Thorndike’s Laws in Nursing Education

Nursing educators can use Thorndike’s laws of learning to create effective learning experiences for their students. By incorporating these laws in their teaching methods, nursing educators can improve student engagement, retention, and mastery of important patient care skills. Examples of how nursing educators can apply Thorndike’s laws include:

• Providing positive reinforcement for desired behaviors
• Designing learning activities that allow for deliberate practice
• Aligning learning objectives with students’ readiness and motivation to learn

Conclusion

Edward L. Thorndike’s laws of learning provide a framework for nursing students to understand how learning occurs and how to apply this knowledge to their education. The Law of Effect, Law of Exercise, and Law of Readiness are all relevant in nursing education and can be used to create effective learning experiences. By understanding and applying these laws, nursing students can improve their learning, retention, and mastery of important patient care skills, leading to better patient outcomes and more successful careers in the healthcare industry.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of the laws of learning for nursing students?

The laws of learning provide nursing students with a framework for understanding how they learn and how their behavior is modified through specific stimuli. By understanding these laws, nursing students can become more effective healthcare professionals by improving their learning and patient care skills.

2. How can nursing students apply the Law of Effect in their education?

Nursing students can apply the Law of Effect by seeking out positive feedback for their actions and behaviors. When students receive positive feedback, they are more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. Additionally, students can use the Law of Effect to motivate

themselves to improve their skills and knowledge by setting specific goals and rewarding themselves when they achieve them.

3. How can nursing students apply the Law of Exercise in their education?

Nursing students can apply the Law of Exercise by practicing skills and tasks repeatedly until they become proficient. By consistently practicing, students can strengthen their understanding and mastery of specific concepts, which can improve their overall patient care.

4. How can nursing students apply the Law of Readiness in their education?

Nursing students can apply the Law of Readiness by ensuring that they are prepared and motivated to learn before engaging in educational activities. This can involve reviewing previous material, setting clear learning objectives, and identifying personal interests and goals related to the material.

5. How can nursing students apply the Law of Primacy and Recency in their education?

Nursing students can apply the Law of Primacy by ensuring that they receive accurate and effective training from the beginning of their education. Additionally, students can use the Law of Recency by regularly reviewing and practicing newly learned skills and information to ensure that it is retained in their long-term memory.