Synonyms
Definition
Variability of practice refers to the finding that varied (i.e., continually changing) practice is more effective for schema construction than constant (i.e., always the same) practice. Variability of practice facilitates generalization of cognitive schemas and improves transfer of learning, that is, it is most beneficial to performance on novel rather than earlier encountered situations. The term “variability of practice” is mostly used in motor learning, but for complex cognitive tasks, learning from varied experiences also has positive effects on transfer of learning.
Theoretical Background
The term “variability of practice” is rooted in theories of motor learning and, especially, Schmidt’s schema theory (see Van Rossum 1990). In this theory, the execution of movements is not seen as a literal reproduction of earlier experiences, but as a fresh construction via a more general schema. By providing variations in a task, the learner...
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References
Corbalan, G., Kester, L., & van Merriënboer, J. J. G. (2009). Combining shared control with variability over surface features: Effects on transfer test performance and task involvement. Computers in Human Behavior, 25, 290–298.
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Paas, F., & van Merriënboer, J. J. G. (1994). Variability of worked examples and transfer of geometrical problem-solving skills: A cognitive-load approach. Journal of Educational Psychology, 86, 122–133.
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Van Merriënboer, J. J. G., & Kirschner, P. A. (2007). Ten steps to complex learning. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum/Taylor & Francis.
Van Rossum, J. H. A. (1990). Schmidt’s schema theory: The empirical base of the variability of practice hypothesis. Human Movement Science, 9, 387–435.
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van Merriënboer, J.J.G. (2012). Variability of Practice. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_415
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_415
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