- Title: Using Spacing to Enhance Diverse Forms of Learning: Review of Recent Research and Implications for Instruction
- Authors: Carpenter et al
- Access the original paper here
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Paper summary
This research review examines the spacing effect, demonstrating that distributed practice (spacing study sessions over time) significantly enhances long-term memory retention compared to massed practice (cramming). The authors analyze various studies showing this benefit across diverse learning contexts and age groups, from simple word lists to complex mathematical problems and foreign language acquisition. They explore the optimal spacing intervals, finding that the ideal gap depends on the desired retention period, recommending longer gaps for longer-term retention. Finally, the review offers practical suggestions for educators to incorporate spaced learning techniques into classroom instruction to improve student learning outcomes.
What are the key implications for teachers in the classroom?
- Review previously learned concepts. Teachers can incorporate brief reviews of concepts learned several weeks earlier into each lesson.
- Utilize homework assignments to re-expose students to important information. Teachers could include questions in homework assignments that cover information presented several weeks prior.
- Give cumulative exams and quizzes. This encourages students to review previously learned material.
- Re-teach forgotten information. While students may forget information after several weeks, this does not mean that previous instruction was ineffective. Re-exposure to this information will result in students learning it much faster than new information.
- Supplement textbook information. Since most textbooks present information in a nondistributed fashion, teachers may need to supplement lessons with examples from prior lessons. This could take the form of an interleaved set of examples that provides spaced practice and allows students to learn to choose the appropriate strategy for solving different types of problems.
While applying spacing techniques may present challenges, the authors note that any form of spacing is likely to promote learning and retention. They encourage teachers to review information after a period of time has passed since the initial learning, especially when the goal is long-term retention.
Quote
Instructors could give exams and quizzes that are cumulative. In addition to re-exposing students to information that they have previously learned, cumulative exams and quizzes provide students with a good reason to review information on their own
