Spacing | Revisit Material To Boost Outcomes | Science of Learning Series

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Billy and Heather, two experienced teachers, address the common challenge of student retention in learning. They explore the concept of spacing, or spaced practice, which involves revisiting previously learned material to combat the natural forgetting curve. By adjusting their teaching strategies to include regular reviews and incorporating old concepts into new lessons, they aim to enhance students' memory retention. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing students' developmental needs and the necessity of consistent practice for mastering material, ultimately fostering a more effective learning environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Teachers often struggle with student retention of lessons due to long gaps between meetings.
• 📚 Spacing or spaced practice helps refresh previously learned information and combat forgetting.
• 🤔 It is common for students to forget a significant portion of new information soon after learning it.
• 🔄 The concept of spacing encourages regular retrieval of information to solidify knowledge.
• 💡 Teachers need to adjust their expectations regarding what students can recall, considering their learning processes.
• 🔍 Identifying fundamental concepts that need repeated practice is essential as material becomes more complex.
• 📝 Regularly reviewing old material at the start of classes can help students retain prior knowledge.
• 🎯 Incorporating previously learned concepts into homework and quizzes aids in retention over time.
• 🚫 Spacing strategies counteract the tendency for students to cram, which only facilitates short-term recall.
• 🌱 Continuous exposure and review of material over time leads to more robust and lasting learning outcomes.

Q & A

What is the main challenge discussed by the teachers regarding student learning?

The main challenge discussed is the difficulty in getting students to retain lessons, especially after breaks or long periods without classes.

How do the teachers describe their feelings when students fail to remember lessons?

The teachers express frustration and self-doubt when students do not remember lessons, questioning their effectiveness as educators.

What strategy is introduced to help improve student retention?

The strategy introduced is spaced practice, which involves revisiting previously learned information over time to reinforce memory.

How does the forgetting curve affect student learning?

The forgetting curve shows that students quickly forget information after learning it, with retention dropping significantly within days if not revisited.

What expectations do the teachers reconsider regarding student recall?

The teachers reconsider their expectations for student recall, recognizing that students may not be able to retrieve information due to their limited practice and familiarity with the material.

What practical steps do the teachers suggest for implementing spaced practice?

They suggest reviewing old material at the beginning of each class, incorporating key concepts into homework long after initial teaching, and giving frequent quizzes to promote recall.

What is the relationship between cramming and spaced practice?

Cramming may help students pass tests in the short term but does not support long-term retention, whereas spaced practice encourages deeper learning and better memory retention over time.

Why is it important for teachers to identify concepts that need periodic practice?

Identifying concepts that need periodic practice allows teachers to focus on reinforcing essential skills that students need to master for future learning.

How do the teachers feel about the long-term mastery of learned material?

The teachers acknowledge that long-term mastery of material is a gradual process that often requires repeated exposure and practice over several years.

What role does repetition play in student learning according to the transcript?

Repetition is crucial for retaining skills and knowledge, as students need multiple encounters with material to solidify their understanding and ability to recall it.