The Distributed Practice Effect on Classroom Learning: A Meta-Analytic Review of Applied Research

There is extensive evidence that distributed practice produces superior learning to massed practice, predominantly from laboratory studies often featuring decontextualized learning. A systematic review of applied research was undertaken to assess the impact of distributed practice on classroom learning. Inclusion criteria were classroom studies with learning materials and timescales relevant to curriculum-based learning. The screening of over 3000 articles resulted in 22 reports containing 31 effect sizes (N > 3000). A meta-analysis found a moderate effect in favor of distributed over massed practice (d = 0.54, 95% CI 0.31, 0.77). Although a comprehensive quantitative moderator analysis was not possible due to the number of studies, generally larger effect sizes were associated with studies that featured longer retention intervals, had learners at higher education levels, and had fewer re-exposures to the materials.