Little and often learning - a painless route to deep learning
Neuroscience research has suggested that one of the most effective ways to learn involves a mix of short frequent sessions spaced apart with "down-time" in between.
The theory goes that the brain encodes memory more effectively and deeply when it handles little chunks with a rest in between.
This theory, which is sometimes known as "Spaced Learning" is no secret to anyone who has tried to learn a musical instrument or language. Try to learn to play guitar in three solid weeks and you'll fry your head, but the same time spread over six months will have you playing like Johnny Marr - well not quite but you know what I mean.
Sadly in schools spaced learning or "little and often learning" isn't used that much. This is probably because it doesn't fit it well with school timetables and the teacher's ability to manage a big class.
Little and Often Learning may not be easy to do in school but it's ideal for the home - and this was a key factor in the way we designed Komodo. Komodo is not about keeping kids at the screen for a long time - because that doesn't translate into deep learning. It's about getting a real benefit from three to five twenty minute sessions per week over a year or more.
Komodo is a marathon not a sprint
When some kids start to use Komodo they really throw themselves into it and race to clock up the lessons - some even hit our built-in "Hey, Go Out and Play" message. It's hard to not to admire this great enthusiasm for learning but please don't be afraid to say:
"Learning is a marathon, not a sprint"
Then push the little learners outside onto their bicycles - because if they can stick to short frequent sessions with Komodo over a longer period - they will benefit most.
I'm Ged, co-founder of Komodo, ex- maths teacher and dad. If you have any questions please get in touch.
About Komodo – Komodo is a fun and effective way to boost primary maths and literacy skills. Designed for 4 to 11-year-olds to use at home, Komodo uses a little and often approach to learning that fits around busy family life. Komodo helps users develop fluency and confidence in maths and English – without keeping them at the screen for long.
