Hermann Ebbinghaus was the first to propose the spacing effect in learning in 1885. It implies that training is a progressive procedure with multiple learning sessions — that ought to be spread out over time rather than trying to overload learners’ receptors with knowledge all at once.
As a result, when utilized in eLearning, trainees can commit information to long-term memory, overcoming the forgetting curve and improving the course’s advantages. This article will go through eight tips for maximizing the benefits of the spacing effect in learning. But before that, let’s understand how spaced practice boosts learning in your employees.
Table of Contents
How Does the Spacing Effect on Learning Work?
Let’s review what we understand about memory and how it works because it isn’t what we assume. Memory is not stored in a single area of the brain. The whole brain is involved in the formation of memories. When you consider your favorite novels, different portions of your mind will have stored their appearance, narrative, emotions it evoked, page scent, and so on.
Memories comprise different parts that come together to form a logical totality. A web of brain patterns pulls together an encoded image while you reflect on that book. We can’t ‘command’ our brains to recall things like computers can.
There is no comprehensive explanation of how the spacing effect in learning works. However, several things are thought to assist:
In an unexpected twist, forgetting and remembering are linked
When we review something until we almost forget it, our brains solidify the memory while adding new details. One of the reasons that sample papers and teaching others are the most efficient methods for learners to rewrite is that they emphasize what’s been overlooked.
Memory retrieval alters the way recollections are later stored
In other words, the more difficult a thing is to memorize now, the longer we will retain it afterward. The more we exert mental effort, which is uncomfortable, the simpler it will become.
There can be no learning without suffering. Recognition is less crucial than recall. This illustrates why taking formative assessments rather than opening your material and re-reading the highlights is a better learning method.
Repeated information is given more weight in our brains
It makes perfect sense; information that we receive regularly is more significant than material that we acquire only once. We have no trouble recalling the knowledge we require daily, regardless of any mental handicap. For instance, our PIN, personal phone number, work routes, and colleague names.
We may have difficulty recollecting them at first, but recall becomes second nature after accessing such knowledge multiple times.
Another hypothesis is of inadequate processing
Some research suggests that staggered repetition in learning sessions is not particularly effective in and of itself, but clustered learning is expensive. By contrast, the spacing effect in learning sessions that allows repetition appears unique, yet it reflects our actual abilities.
According to researchers, mass learning becomes redundant since we lose patience with something as we study it and remember less and less with time. Tightly packed repetition sessions maximize our initial enthusiasm before it fades.
You can extend the duration between learning efforts by using correctly spaced repetition. Each attempt at learning strengthens brain connections. For instance, we remember a list more effectively if we examine it frequently throughout time rather than in a single burst.
We’re more productive in this manner. We can recollect more in less time with spaced sessions than with a single session, and we won’t get bored reading the same subject repeatedly in a set period. Naturally, when we’re distracted, we stop paying attention.
Using the Spacing Effect in Learning Sessions to Your Advantage
Many scholars are perplexed that we don’t learn about the spacing effect in learning in school. Most classes cover one topic per session and don’t go over it again until the examination.
If the instructor is uninteresting or the lesson is too long, going through a subject once delivers little to nothing at all. Most educators believe that their learners will take control of memorization. Consequently, many of us acquire unhealthy learning strategies like cramming to keep up with our courses’ requirements.
Instead of cramming, emphasize what works in practice
The challenge with spaced repetition in a learning session would be that it demands forward preparation and a certain number of days to introduce a system. However, we save time and hassle in the long run since we recall information and reduce the time spent learning overall.
These are the critical components of a standard spacing effect in learning sessions via practice and repetition:
A timetable for information review
In most systems, information is reviewed every hour, then every day, then each other day, then every week, then biweekly, then bimonthly, then every 6 months, then annually. If you guess right, the material will advance to another level and be evaluated less frequently. If you guess incorrectly, you will be demoted a level and will be examined more frequently.
A system for storing and arranging data.
The most frequent options are flashcards or software for spaced repetition in learning sessions. The apparent benefit of the software is that it is easy to maintain and has a built-in repetition schedule. According to empirical information, writing facts on flashcards aids in the learning experience.
A metric used to track progress
Positive reinforcement is best integrated into the spacing effect in learning sessions. This is why learning apps use a points-based system, daily goals, and leaderboards, among other features. Tracking our progress allows us to see how far we’ve come.
A time limit for review sessions
When we practice for prolonged periods, our attention begins to waver, and we remember less information. A session must also be long enough to achieve complete immersion. A piece of everyday advice is for not more than half an hour of review time, with a break in between.
Well, now that you know how the spacing effect in learning sessions works and its essential elements, let’s check out how we can use this concept in corporate training.
8 Tips to Harness the Power of the Spacing Effect in Learning
The spacing effect in learning sessions is a perfect representation of how productive we could be if we comprehend how our brain works and how to use it to its full potential. Flashcards plus a schedule are a few of the ways you need to use to learn anything useful for life. But there are multiple other methods. Then, you’re free to start putting what you’ve learned into practice. So, let’s get started.
Deploy real-life exercises to strengthen conceptualization
When knowledge is relevant and applicable, the human mind absorbs it more efficiently. In other terms, when we can instantly reaffirm what we’ve learned and replenish it regularly. Online learners can implement their understanding and skills using eLearning scenarios, simulations, and real-world examples.
They may, for example, complete the assignment in an active learning environment to show how each talent or process fits into the broader narrative. They can then return to the eLearning simulation to enhance their proficiency and recollection.
Use several different delivery systems
In keeping with the reinforcing theme, it’s essential to use a range of delivery techniques and practical instructional design techniques. Diversification serves two essential functions. One is to enable online students to investigate the subject in various settings.
An eLearning simulation, for instance, gives trainees first-hand experience. In contrast, an online training session helps them visualize the activity so that they can emulate positive actions. The second goal is to accommodate various learning styles. A good blend of eLearning exercises, media, and information delivery modalities can help all online learners.
Add checklists and recaps
Using lists to split information into easily absorbable pieces is one of the most critical aspects of the spacing effect in learning sessions. These abstracts and checklists can serve as valuable resources for trainees in their time of need. But, each list should be focused on a particular topic, learning purpose, or task.
Online students should be able to refresh their memories rapidly by studying essential ideas and then applying them. To improve memory retention, couple your recaps with visualization tools.
Offer eLearning comments and suggestions right away
The most important thing to remember about remembering is that it has a time limit. An expiration date, to be precise. The longer people progress through an eLearning session, the more prone they are to forget the content.
In fact, “People forget 80% of the newly learned material within 24 hours, the so-called forgetting curve.” For instance, 5 minutes after a virtual learning tutorial, they may recollect the essential concepts and theories. After 5 hours, they only recall 50% of what they had acquired, and by day 5, the information has vanished.
Consequently, to avoid the forgetting curve, it’s critical to provide rapid eLearning feedback and suggestions. Another advantage is that it allows you to modify habits or thoughts before they can become imprinted in your memory. For example, online students may understand the assignment inaccurately and then proceed to commit the same errors in the long term.
Examine the subject and the requirements of online learners
More complex or sophisticated subject topics require more regular reinforcement, whereas basic knowledge tends to last longer in memory banks. Similarly, the spacing effect in learning sessions is influenced by the learner’s history, level of experience, and background knowledge. Learners already familiar with the subject may require less refresher training than others who need more advice or assistance.
Only include information that is required
Working memory can only hold so much information. As a result, you must be selective in what content you offer in an online classroom. To avoid cognitive overload, the previously described lists must only contain the most essential information, statistics, and ideas.
Furthermore, it would help if you concentrated on the demands of individual online learners, such as current performance or gaps in knowledge that influence their everyday life. Keep it realistic and to the point to maximize your digital learners’ benefit.
Build bite-Sized archives
Microlearning and online training resources work hand in hand with the spacing effect in learning sessions. When online learners have to refresh their knowledge or brush up on abilities, they can quickly go to the microlearning virtual learning repository. Learning occurs where they are most comfortable rather than following a tight schedule. As a result, online students can work at their own pace and concentrate on their weaknesses. Make sure to incorporate various media and educational activities to accommodate different learning styles.
Ad: PlayAblo’s Enterprise-Grade Micro-Learning platform is built for millennial learners. Micro-Learning, assessments and gamification features ensure learning outcome measurement and sustained engagement.
Find out more and request a custom demo!
Organize live events to reinforce the memories of online learners
Some online learners might require more interaction or personalized assistance, which can be harder to provide in bigger internet groups. Fortunately, webinars may be used to attract digital learners individually. Because trainees can pose questions or discuss issues impeding their performance, webinars are excellent memory refreshers. For instance, they may not fully comprehend the assignment or require assistance with a specific compliance topic with which they have struggled since the beginning.
Conclusion
Many thinkers, researchers, and educators believe in the spacing effect in learning sessions. However, demonstrating its effectiveness over time has proven difficult. This is because it deals with components that are difficult to measure, such as memory, processing information, and, most importantly, the passage of time. However, by reinforcing and rejuvenating key concepts, the spacing effect in learning might help you develop more successful eLearning content.
Ad: PlayAblo’s Enterprise-Grade Micro-Learning platform is built for millennial learners. Micro-Learning, assessments and gamification features ensure learning outcome measurement and sustained engagement.
Find out more and request a custom demo!
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.