Applying spaced practice in the schools to teach math vocabulary

Shawna Petersen‐Brown; Ashlee R. Lundberg; Jannine E. Ray; Iwalani N. Dela Paz; Carrington Riss; Carlos J. Panahon

doi:10.1002/pits.22248

Cited by 24Memory Processes and InfluencesVisual and Cognitive Learning ProcessesSecond Language Acquisition and Learning

Applying spaced practice in the schools to teach math vocabulary

Shawna Petersen‐Brown, Ashlee R. Lundberg, Jannine E. Ray, Iwalani N. Dela Paz, Carrington Riss, Carlos J. Panahon·2019·Psychology in the Schools

DOI 10.1002/pits.22248

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Abstract

Spaced practice, or the distribution of practice opportunities across time, is a well‐known and effective practice for improving retention. However, spaced practice is not effectively implemented in schools, perhapsl as a result of a lack of educationally relevant research in the area. We conducted an educationally relevant investigation of the spaced practice. Using a quasi‐experimental between‐subjects design, we taught 62 third‐ and fourth‐grade students eight math vocabulary words under two patterns of spaced practice (fixed interval and expanded interval) and massed practice. Results showed a benefit of spaced practice over massed practice, but no difference between fixed interval and expanded interval spaced practice. The findings suggest that spaced practice may be implemented to improve the retention of math vocabulary words; however, more research is needed to provide guidelines to support educators in implementing spaced practice in schools.

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Authors: Petersen‐Brown, S., Lundberg, A. R., Ray, J. E., Paz, I. N. D., Riss, C., & Panahon, C. J.
Affiliations: Minnesota State University, Mankato (US)
Corresponding author: Shawna Petersen‐Brown
ORCID: Shawna Petersen‐Brown
Jannine E. Ray
Venue: Psychology in the Schools
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2019-03-18
Volume: 56
Issue: 6
Pages: 977-991
ISSN: 0033-3085 (ISSN-L)
1520-6807
DOI: 10.1002/pits.22248
OpenAlex: W2921297013
Cited by: 24
References: 35
Citations by year: 2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 4 · 2019: 2
FWCI: 1.74
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations: Psychology in the Schools (publishedVersion)
Cornerstone (Minnesota State University, Mankato) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Visual and Cognitive Learning Processes
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Second Language Acquisition and Learning
Keywords: spaced practice, vocabulary retention, fixed-interval schedules, massed practice, elementary school students, mathematics education

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Applying spaced practice in the schools to teach math vocabulary

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