Which learning principle states that the first of a series of learned acts will be remembered better than others?

The principle that states the first of a series of learned acts will be remembered better than others is known as the primacy principle. This concept highlights that information or behaviors introduced at the beginning of a learning sequence tend to be retained more effectively than those presented later. This can be attributed to various cognitive factors, such as the increased attention that typically accompanies the introduction of new material and the stronger neural connections formed during initial exposure.

In educational contexts, this principle emphasizes the importance of how content is organized and sequenced. For instance, when teaching new concepts, instructors can enhance retention by placing key information early in the lesson or session. This approach aids learners in building a solid foundation for further learning and reinforces the memory of earlier material throughout the instructional process.