Work

Memorizing plans with an app: Large individual differences in the effectiveness of retrieval-based and generative learning activities in a naturalistic context

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: What are effective learning activities in mobile, real-world contexts? We compared three learning activities in a planning app for children. The activities differed in their intended cognitive engagement according to the ICAP framework: a passive reading activity, an active retrieval activity, and a generative activity. Children ( N = 106, 9–14 years) used the app to memorize one plan per day for 27 days. Unexpectedly, neither the retrieval activity nor the generative activity was associated with better overall recall than the passive activity. However, time spent on these activities and reported positive attitudes toward them moderated their effectiveness. Motivational and developmental factors predicted time spent on the retrieval and generative activities, and time on task in turn predicted their effectiveness. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of learning activities in real-world contexts depends on the ability and willingness of learners to engage with them repeatedly over time.

Source: Learning and Individual Differences

DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2025.102641

Authors: Daniel Biedermann, Jasmin Breitwieser, Lea Nobbe, Hendrik Drachsler, Garvin Brod

Institutions: DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education, Goethe University Frankfurt

Language: English

Topic: Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,640