Plain English Meaning

What you learn first sticks the hardest. If a student is taught something the wrong way the first time, it takes a lot of work to undo it later, so instructors aim to get it right from the start.

Full Definition

A principle of learning stating that the first way a skill or concept is taught tends to be remembered most strongly, and is difficult to change later. What a student learns first leaves a lasting impression that shapes all later understanding of that subject, so the initial instruction must be correct, complete, and clearly presented.

Context Anchor

Seen in instructor training and lesson planning when introducing a new flight task, cockpit habit, or procedure.

Derivation

From the Latin primus, meaning 'first.' The same root gives us 'primary' and 'prime.' The law is about the power of the first exposure — what comes first takes priority in memory.