The Impact of Spaced Learning on Student Performance and Motivation in Higher Education

The Impact of Spaced Learning on Student Performance and Motivation in Higher Education

What is this Research About?

Spaced Learning highlighted the importance of intervals between brain cell stimulations rather than constant stimulation. Research on human memory reveals that spaced learning enhances memory retention, where information is presented over time rather than in a single session. Recent neuroscience research explores how long-term memories can be formed in minutes, involving the strengthening of synaptic connections between the brain's 85 billion neurons. Animal cell experiments suggest a 10-minute gap between learning episodes is optimal for this process. In this study, the researchers investigated the impact of Spaced Learning on students’ performance and motivation compared to the conventional teaching methods. 

What did the Researchers Do?

The study utilized a three-phase structure: 

1. The initial phase involved a pre-test to assess students' prior knowledge of a predetermined topic and gather information on their current learning motivation. Subsequently, the students were divided into two groups: a control and a treatment group. 

2. The treatment group received instruction using the Spaced Learning technique (three 20-minute sessions, with 10-minute breaks between them), while the control group was taught using conventional methods, such as mass lectures. 

3. Both groups underwent a post-test, which included the same test as the pre-test but was presented in a different order. 

What did the Researchers Find?

During the pre-experiment stage, there were no significant differences in performance and motivation scores between the experiment and control groups. However, the subsequent increase in both performance and motivation was more notable in the experiment group compared to the control group. As a result, the null hypothesis, suggesting no significant difference in students' performance and motivation between the group using the conventional method and the group using the Spaced Learning technique, was rejected for both aspects. 

→ How to Implement this Research in Your Classroom

Despite technological advancements, the formation of long-term memories remains fundamental to education. Spaced Learning involves repeating condensed content three times with two 10-minute breaks, incorporating distractor activities. The research employs two groups of students taught the same topic using either conventional methods or the Spaced Learning technique. Pre-tests and post-tests indicated that Spaced Learning has a positive impact on both students' performance and motivation, emphasizing breaks between sessions. Further research could explore whether students' academic backgrounds play a role in influencing their performance and motivation when utilizing the Spaced Learning technique. 

→  Citation

Mat-jizat, J. E., Abas, B., Mansor, M., & Khalid, K. (2020). The Effectiveness of Spaced Learning as A Pedagogical Strategy in Enhancing Student Learning and Motivation. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(5), 494–506. 

→  Keywords

  • Spaced Learning
  • Higher Education
  • Pedagogy
  • Learning
  • Motivation 

Creative Commons by logo This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Canada License

Snapshot Writer: Amir Sarrafchi

Snapshot Publication Date: 2024

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