Retrieval practice in the form of online homework improved information retention more when spaced 5 days rather than 1 day after class in two physiology courses

Abstract

Studies have shown that practicing temporally spaced retrieval of previously learned information via formal assessments increases student retention of the information. Our objective was to determine the impact of online homework administered as a first retrieval practice 1 or 5 days after introduction of physiology topics on long-term information retention. Students in two undergraduate courses, Anatomy and Physiology (ASCI 240) and Animal Physiological Systems (ASCI 340), were presented with information on a specific physiological system during each weekly laboratory and then completed an online homework assignment either 1 or 5 days later. Information retention was assessed via an in-class quiz the following week and by a comprehensive final exam at semester's end (4-13 wk later). Performance on homework assignments was generally similar between groups for both courses. Information retention at 1 wk did not differ due to timing of homework in either course. In both courses, however, students who received homework 5 days after class performed better on final exam questions relevant to that week's topic compared with their day 1 counterparts. These findings indicate that the longer period between introducing physiology information in class and assigning the first retrieval practice was more beneficial to long-term information retention than the shorter period, despite seemingly equivalent benefits in the shorter term. Since information is typically forgotten over time, we speculate that the longer interval necessitates greater retrieval effort in much the same way as built-in desirable difficulties, thus allowing for stronger conceptual connections and deeper comprehension.

Keywords: STEM education; information retention; spaced retrieval.

Fig. 1.

Weekly laboratory topics for ASCI 240 (A) and ASCI 340 (B) relative to the final laboratory exam at semester’s end.

Fig. 2.

Weekly schedule for laboratories, homework assignments, and quizzes. Students received identical online homework assignments either 1 or 5 days after class and then completed a short quiz in class the following week.

Fig. 3.

Homework scores for college undergraduates completing topic-relevant online homework assignments 1 or 5 days after class. Students were enrolled in one of two undergraduate physiology courses, ASCI 240 (A) or ASCI 340 (B). NS, nonsignificant.

Fig. 4.

Weekly quiz scores for college undergraduates completing topic-relevant online homework assignments 1 or 5 days after class. Students were enrolled in one of two undergraduate physiology courses, ASCI 240 (A) or ASCI 340 (B).

Fig. 5.

Summative assessment scores (final exam questions) for college undergraduates completing topic-relevant online homework assignments 1 or 5 days after class. Students were enrolled in one of two undergraduate physiology courses, ASCI 240 (A) or ASCI 340 (B).