Western Governors University (WGU) EDUC5266 D665 Learner Development and the Science of Learning Practice Exam

Spaced repetition in a curriculum means scheduling retrieval practice across expanding time intervals so material is revisited multiple times. This approach strengthens long-term memory by allowing some forgetting to occur and then requiring recall, which solidifies learning through consolidation.

The best implementation uses periodic reviews, cumulative quizzes, and practice spread over weeks. Regularly revisiting older content alongside new material helps students reinforce what they’ve learned, connect ideas, and maintain accessibility of knowledge over time. Scheduling reviews at increasing gaps (for example after a day, a few days, a week, then several weeks) and mixing old material into new assessments creates durable learning.

In contrast, a single intensive session lacks the repeated retrieval needed for durable memory. Random, unstructured review without a plan misses the timing that enhances retention. Always presenting new material without revisiting old content prevents reinforcement of prior learning and can lead to forgetting and weaker transfer.