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 Jimmy Hendrix- 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 is a key factor in how Komodo is designed. 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 20 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, you've done enough!" 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- math teacher and dad. If you have any questions please get in touch.
About Komodo - Komodo is a fun and effective way to boost K-5 math and English skills. Designed for 4 to 11-year-olds to use at home, Komodo uses a 'little and often' approach to learning (20 minutes, three to five times per week) that fits into busy family routines. Komodo helps users develop fluency and confidence in math and language arts - without keeping them at the screen for long.
