Edward L. Thorndike in the early 1900�s postulated several "Laws of Learning," that seemed generally applicable to the learning process. Since that time, other educational psychologists have found that the learning process is indeed more complex than the "laws" identified. However, the "laws" do provide the educator with insight into the learning process that will assist in providing a rewarding experience to the learner.

As with anything else relative to the instruction and learning process, nothing that we do is a singular item a combination of activities occur at the same time to make the experience complete.

As an instructor using traditional, as well as online instruction, we should understand the importance of each of the "laws" and relate them to the total learning process. And, while they were written long before we had contemporary once they again reviewed, it will be understood how well the basic principles fit into online instruction.

The Law of Readiness means a person can learn when physically and mentally adjusted (ready) to receive stimuli.

The Law of Exercise stresses the idea that repetition is basic to the development of adequate responses.

Remember that practice makes permanent, not perfect unless the task is taught correctly.

Learning will always be much more effective when a feeling of satisfaction, pleasantness, or reward accompanies or is a result of the learning process.

When the mind compares a new idea with something already known, it is said to be using association.

Review, warm-ups, and similar activities are all based on the principle that the more recent the exercise, the more effective the performance. Practicing a skill or new concept just before using it will ensure a more effective performance.

The principle of intensity states that if the stimulus (experience) is real, the more likely there is to be a change in behavior (learning)