What is emphasized by The Law of Recency?

The Law of Recency emphasizes the idea that the skills and knowledge that are practiced most recently are the ones that are most readily recalled and effectively used in performance situations. This concept is crucial in training and instruction as it suggests that to ensure skill retention and proficiency, instructors should prioritize recent practice. When skills are practiced frequently, especially just before they need to be applied, they become more ingrained in a person’s memory and are thus easier to access when required. This ties directly to the effectiveness of new skills, where recent practice ensures that the learner’s performance is sharp and reliable. As such, aligning training schedules to include regular, updated practice of skills reinforces their applicability and retention, making learners more competent in their roles, particularly in high-stakes environments such as emergency services.