AUTHOR=O’Hare Liam , Stark Patrick , Gittner Alastair , McGuinness Carol , Thurston Allen , Biggart Andy 

TITLE=A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of different spaced learning models used during school examination revision: the SMART Spaces 24/10 model

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Education

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2023.1199617

DOI=10.3389/feduc.2023.1199617

ISSN=2504-284X

ABSTRACT=The main aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of using different spaced learning models during school examination revision on pupil attainment. Spaced learning is using intervals between learning rather than learning content all at one time. Three spaced learning models with different inter-study intervals (ISI’s) were co-designed by teachers and researchers using research evidence and practice knowledge. A pilot randomised controlled trial compared the three ISI models against control groups in twelve UK secondary schools’ science classes (pupil n=408). The effects on attainment of each model were assessed using pre and post-tests of science attainment. The results showed that all three models were feasible for use in a classroom. The spacing model using an ISI of 24-hour spaces between and 10-minute spaces within revision sessions was the only significant one for improving attainment against a control group (effect size d = .19, p=<.05). The study also found that student engagement with the spaced learning programme was a statistically significant predictor of increased pupil attainment. The study demonstrates the potential benefits of applying spaced learning to exam revision, with the most optimal ISI model found to be the SMART Spaces 24/10 model.