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. 2020 Mar;54(3):205-216.
doi: 10.1111/medu.14025. Epub 2019 Dec 20.

Conceptualising spaced learning in health professions education: A scoping review

Marjolein Versteeg  1   2 , Renée A Hendriks  2 , Aliki Thomas  3   4   5 , Belinda W C Ommering  2 , Paul Steendijk  1   2
Affiliations

Conceptualising spaced learning in health professions education: A scoping review

Marjolein Versteeg et al. Med Educ. 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the definitions and applications of 'spaced learning' and to propose future directions for advancing its study and practice in health professions education.

Method: The authors searched five online databases for articles published on spaced learning in health professions education prior to February 2018. Two researchers independently screened articles for eligibility with set inclusion criteria. They extracted and analysed key data using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Results: Of the 2972 records retrieved, 120 articles were included in the review. More than 90% of these articles were published in the last 10 years. The definition of spaced learning varied widely and was often not theoretically grounded. Spaced learning was applied in distinct contexts, including online learning, simulation training and classroom settings. There was a large variety of spacing formats, ranging from dispersion of information or practice on a single day, to intervals lasting several months. Generally, spaced learning was implemented in practice or testing phases and rarely during teaching.

Conclusions: Spaced learning is infrequently and poorly defined in the health professions education literature. We propose a comprehensive definition of spaced learning and emphasise that detailed descriptions of spacing formats are needed in future research to facilitate the operationalisation of spaced learning research and practice in health professions education.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart for the scoping review selection process
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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