Plain English Meaning

The more you do something, the better you remember how to do it. The less you do it, the more it fades.

Full Definition

A learning principle stating that things most often repeated are best remembered, and that practice strengthens the connection between a stimulus and a response while lack of practice weakens it. It is the underlying basis for the use of drill and practice as a teaching method.

Context Anchor

Seen in flight instructor training when discussing drill, practice, review, and why repeated correct performance matters in pilot training.

Derivation

Named after Edward L. Thorndike, an American psychologist (1874-1949) who studied how learning happens through trial and repetition. 'Exercise' here is used in its older sense of 'putting something into use' or 'practicing,' not physical workout.

Why Pilots Care

Instructors apply repetition during training to strengthen to and .