Which learning principle assumes that adults learn best when they can practice a skill?

The principle that assumes adults learn best when they can practice a skill is the Exercise principle. This principle emphasizes that practice enhances learning by allowing individuals to apply what they've learned in real-life scenarios. In adult education, hands-on experience is vital because it reinforces knowledge and skills, making the learning process more effective. By actively engaging in practice, learners can solidify their understanding and improve their retention of the material. This principle aligns well with how adults prefer to learn, as they often seek practical applications of their knowledge in their professional and personal lives.

Other principles mentioned, such as Effect, Intensity, and Recency, focus on different aspects of learning but do not specifically highlight the importance of practice in skill acquisition. For instance, the Effect principle relates to the emotional response to learning and how it can enhance retention, while Intensity addresses how engaging and stimulating the learning experience is. Recency deals with the impact of the most recently learned information on memory. While all these factors play a significant role in the learning process, they do not emphasize the practice of skills like the Exercise principle does.