Spaced learning is based on the idea that repeating knowledge at set intervals improves learning. It divides long training programs into shorter sessions or modules with breaks in between.
Corporate learning and development are changing fast. Workforce demographics and the digital market have shifted how we view learning. Thus, traditional one-off classroom sessions no longer work. They overwhelm learners, making it hard to retain key information.
Humans forget much of what they learn in just a few days unless they review it regularly. To meet modern business needs, we must move away from traditional training programs. Spaced learning is a better strategy. It helps people learn quickly and efficiently. This also reduces the loss of knowledge that happens with one-time learning.
What is Spaced Learning?
Spaced learning is based on the idea that repeating knowledge at set intervals improves learning. It divides long training programs into shorter sessions or modules with breaks in between. These sessions repeat key points over the next few days or weeks. This helps learners remember information better and retain it longer.
The Role of Spaced Learning in Education
So why is spaced learning significant for today’s educational systems? Let’s break it down.
Adapts to Attention Spans: In today's fast-paced world, spaced learning offers brief, effective sessions.
Combats Information Overload: Spacing out learning helps avoid too much information at once. Thus, it makes the information easier to understand and remember.
Facilitates Better Retention: Revisiting material regularly strengthens memory, improving long-term retention.
Personalized Learning Experience: It can fit how fast you learn and what you like, so it works for everyone.
Promotes Practical Application: Taking breaks lets you use what you have learned in real life, making it stick better.
How is Spaced Learning Designed?
In typical use, spaced learning includes three intensive instructional periods. Each of them is separated by 10-minute breaks with unrelated distraction material.
These three periods cover the same information but focus on different aspects. The sequence is "present, recall, understand."
Present
The first session, the “present” phase, involves a classroom or video lecture.
Recall
The second session, “recall,” uses simple quizzes or assignments to help learners remember what they have learned.
Understand
In the third session, learners use their knowledge to solve a problem or complete a task. The breaks between sessions help embed the knowledge in their memory.
Benefits of the Spaced Learning Technique
Overcomes forgetting curve
Spaced learning counters the forgetting curve by giving learners periodic reviews and support of previously learned information. This comes in handy when it comes to aiding their learning curve. The first review happens within 24 hours of the initial session or later, depending on the information's complexity.
Connects to the real world
Spaced learning uses interactive and real-world scenarios in training programs. Simulations in online courses help connect knowledge to real-world situations.
Letting employees practice what they have learned on the job instills the knowledge in their memory. This enables them to recall the most relevant and useful information later, making them more effective and productive in their roles.
Reduced mental exhaustion
Another plus of using spaced learning in employee training is that information is delivered in short intervals. Shorter modules prevent fatigue, reduce mental exhaustion, and keep learners engaged.
How to Use the Spaced Learning Method?
Here is how to apply the spaced learning approach to your workforce.
Create short and routine learning sessions
Spaced learning uses short study sessions where learners remember what they have learned. It also enhances knowledge retention by embedding information in memory.
The basic structure for spaced learning involves presenting a learning activity for a few minutes followed by a short break. The length of lecture and break times adjust based on learning needs, content complexity, and the audience.
For example, a basic training module might include a 5-minute video lecture. This is followed by a 10-minute break between sessions. Yet, a more complex training module requires longer breaks and more frequent repetition. These are the lectures lasting longer than 5 minutes.
Take extended periods to review learning materials
Spaced learning means reviewing information at longer intervals. This varies for each employee based on their experience and skills. According to research by Ebbinghaus, initial repetitions should occur within a few days. Then, they should gradually extend to weeks or months as retention improves over time.
There is no fixed optimal spaced period; it depends on the retention interval you are aiming for. For example, if you want to perform well on a test in one week, spacing the sessions one day apart would be optimal. However, if you need to retain the information for a year, spacing the sessions two months apart would be ideal.
Associate new knowledge with old knowledge
Learning content should be linked and organized around related concepts. This helps learners recognize patterns between previously learned material and new content.
Designers should connect ideas with examples and stories to help learners understand better. Stories help remember old topics and link them to new ones, ensuring a solid understanding of their connection.
Real-world application
In sharing learning content, it is vital to offer chances for active engagement. This ensures proper understanding.
Learning activities like infographics and note-taking in education are fundamental in eLearning courses.
These elements should be paired with tasks like videos, quizzes, etc., prompting learners to use their knowledge. Practicing new knowledge helps employees remember it and stay motivated to learn more later.
How To Incorporate Spaced Learning in eLearning Design
Spaced learning design is a strategy for creating and delivering content based on the spaced learning concept. Here are key elements of spaced eLearning design:
Short and frequent modules: Plan shorter modules instead of one long module.
Frequent review modules: Create review modules for learners to take at set intervals. Also, make sure to assess their retention and progress.
Begin new modules with a recap of older ones.
Connect new concepts with previously learned ones.
Provide a summary and checklist for reinforcement.
How to Create a Spaced Learning Corporate Training Program
Meet with businesses
The success of every training program hinges on stakeholder buy-in. So, before making the spaced learning program, talk to business partners to make sure it fits their needs.
Create a learning timeline
Find out how many hours each learner needs to commit to the training program to ensure they schedule enough time for learning. Learning sessions can range from 30 minutes daily to several hours weekly. This is based on the training course's complexity, the gap between training and implementing learning, etc.
Combine spaced learning with microlearning
Microlearning is another crucial aspect of learning and is closely linked to spaced learning. Break down learning content into small modules instead of giving learners too much information at once.
Smaller learning sessions provide the right amount of information needed to achieve a specific goal. This idea fits with spaced learning, delivering short bits of information with breaks in between.
Repeat content in different formats
A crucial aspect of spaced learning is diversifying the learning approach. People engage better and absorb information thoroughly when it is presented in various formats. Split your learning material into small segments, so that each concept is repeated using different methods. These methods include pictures, audio, stories, examples, games, or practice sessions.
Mixing things up prevents boredom, suits different learning styles, and keeps employees interested.
Conduct a debriefing session
Include sessions led by a facilitator where learners talk about the importance of the spaced learning program. These sessions let learners review modules, do better next time, and discuss challenges and successes from the course.
The facilitator guides discussions and highlights the importance of spaced learning.
Track results with quizzes
It is important to keep checking how well learners understand to make training better. Spaced learning does this by having quizzes often in the modules instead of just one big test at the end.
Quizzes are among the most effective ways for learners to remember and use their knowledge. Quizzes not only track progress but also make learners engage with the content, learn actively, and remember better.
Conclusion
Spaced learning is a good way to remember things better and stay interested by spreading out learning over time. It uses different styles, reviews often, and keeps you involved, suiting different ways of learning and stopping too much info at once. It helps companies make sure workers remember important stuff and use it well, making them better at their jobs.