What learning strategy entails spacing out practice sessions with breaks in between?

What learning strategy entails spacing out practice sessions with breaks in between?

• A. Massed practice
• B. Distributed practice
• C. Fixed practice
• D. Variable practice

Answer: (B)

The learning strategy that involves spacing out practice sessions with breaks in between is known as distributed practice. This approach is based on the idea that learning is more effective when study sessions are spaced over time, rather than crammed into a single session. Research in cognitive psychology has shown that distributed practice enhances retention and understanding by allowing time for the brain to consolidate information. This method takes advantage of the spacing effect, where information is better recalled when learning sessions are distributed, helping to improve long-term memory. In contrast, massed practice refers to concentrated study sessions without breaks, which can lead to quicker but more superficial learning. Fixed practice involves performing the same task repeatedly without variation, which may not encourage adaptability. Variable practice, on the other hand, involves changing the practice conditions or tasks to improve learning and transfer of skills, but does not emphasize spaced intervals.

The learning strategy that involves spacing out practice sessions with breaks in between is known as distributed practice. This approach is based on the idea that learning is more effective when study sessions are spaced over time, rather than crammed into a single session.

Research in cognitive psychology has shown that distributed practice enhances retention and understanding by allowing time for the brain to consolidate information. This method takes advantage of the spacing effect, where information is better recalled when learning sessions are distributed, helping to improve long-term memory.

In contrast, massed practice refers to concentrated study sessions without breaks, which can lead to quicker but more superficial learning. Fixed practice involves performing the same task repeatedly without variation, which may not encourage adaptability. Variable practice, on the other hand, involves changing the practice conditions or tasks to improve learning and transfer of skills, but does not emphasize spaced intervals.