What is the structure of distributed practice?

The structure of distributed practice involves longer breaks between shorter practice sessions, which enhances learning and retention. This approach contrasts sharply with massed practice, where learning occurs in fewer, longer sessions without substantial breaks.

In distributed practice, the intervals allow the learner to recover and process information, leading to improved performance and better retention over time. Research supports that spacing out practice sessions helps to embed knowledge deeper into long-term memory compared to the high-intensity, non-stop practice suggested by other options. This makes distributed practice particularly effective for building and refining skills, as it caters to the cognitive needs of learners by preventing fatigue and overload.