Chapter-2: The Laws of Learning
Outline of Article:
- The Third Law of Learning
- Thank you
The Third Law of Learning
There is a saying that states: mankind is a creature of habit. When I was younger I didn’t fully understand this saying; but, now, as an older man, I agree that habits are key movers in all human actions. With this in mind, the third law of learning addresses the strict factors involved within any habit. For added perspective, this third law is a foundational element when establishing the actual learning process that exists in reality; but, this process will be addressed in a later chapter. For now, I will only state a definition for habit; and I will then state the third law of learning.
Habit is the strict product of three factors: first, cue; second, practice; and, third, reward-recuperative.
To be clear, by “cue” it is meant that a preparation for a response or responses is given. By “practice” it is meant that a routine or action or a series of actions are performed immediately following the cue. And, by “reward-recuperative” it is meant that a deliberate positive phase of repose is followed immediately after the practice.
It is important to note the word “strict” in the definition of habit. It serves a crucial aspect of any habit. This means that the order of the factors that produce a habit must occur in one and only one order. As such, extreme care must be observed with establishing any habit.
To reiterate, the order of the factors of any habit must follow a very strict process. In other words, the product of the factors of any habit is not commutative and not associative. Of equal importance, there is a time component that must occur between each factor. Typically, this time component is best served at almost instantaneous intervals of time. For this reason, I will not state the definition of a habit using any algebraic symbols.
The Third Law of Learning:
All learning comes from the consistent application of the strict process of habit, which consists of: cue, practice and then reward-recuperative.
The main point being made with this law is that learning, adaptation and evolution all follow a meaningful objective process. For learning, this process must always involve three components in a very specific order: 1. (Cue) preparation for action; 2. (Practice or routine) the actual action that follows the cue; and, 3. (Reward-Recuperative) the immediate benefits or rewards or repose of those actions.
The difficulty for most habits arises when the benefits are not grasped or acknowledged within a timely manner. One way to counter this potential set back is by planning a deliberate reward-recuperative for any habit that is being established. Also, in most advanced individuals, this is where the idea of delayed gratification will come into play, especially as pertains to the study of subjects that are of low interest to the learner.
Thank You
I appreciate your time in reading my blog post. Next Monday I will upload the next part of Chapter-2: The Laws of Learning, from my self-development book, How Does Studying Work?
Total Consciousness 