We all need practice to learn. How we practice matters.
Varied practice lets learners move beyond simple memorization. Variety requires the brain to work harder. Practice a task in one way today and in another way tomorrow.
The best practice is spaced and interleaved.
Interleaving is a fancy word for practice one skill, practice another, then return to the first.
Think of it as distributed practice, switching before one skill is complete.
Spaced practice leaves time between practice sets. Spaced practice provides “habit strength” which lasts longer than “momentary strength.”
- Practice.
- Take a break.
- Practice.
- Sleep.
- Practice.
How much space do we need? Enough to avoid mindless repetition. A little forgetting needs to occur.
Learning may feel slower, but long term retention and mastery are better.
Skill Building Methods
Provide spaced practice by practicing skills more than once after delivery.
Practice one item. Take a break. Practice a different, but related item.
Provide instruction or training in small segments over several days rather than long days of training.
Create flashcards for spaced practice.
References & Resources
Retrieval Practice: Unleash the science of learning
Cindy Huggett’s Virtual Training Resources
Helpful Virtual Training Blog Posts
Managing Cameras In Virtual Training
Connect with Learners Before Class Begins
Lead Successful Breakout Rooms
Quick Stop-Start-Continue Activity
Source: Make It Stick, by Peter Brown, How We Learn, by Benedict Carey
