Current Projects of Melody Wiseheart

Spacing Effects and Classroom Learning

The spacing effect is a well-studied memory phenomenon in which spaced learning episodes produce better learned than massed learning (i.e., cramming). While robust in the lab, few studies have investigated translation to real-world contexts, such as classroom environments. We have been conducting research in both real-world classrooms with middle-school students, and in mock classrooms with undergraduates. Results clearly demonstrate that spacing benefits learning in these less well controlled settings. We have a proposal under review to continue this line of research in real-world middle-school classrooms, to develop an intervention that is easily usable by regular classroom teachers.

While nearly all spacing effect research has examined rote learning of verbal material, little is known about whether more complex forms of thought, such as the ability to apply learned knowledge to a novel problem, also benefits from the spacing effect. We have demonstrated such a benefit with undergraduates, and plan to extend this work in a middle-school classroom setting.

Spacing Effects and Rehabilitation

We have been examining usefulness of the spacing effect in two populations that have memory problems: a case of developmental amnesia, and older adults. We have demonstrated an intact spacing effect benefit in both populations.

Music, Dance, Dalcroze, and Aerobic Fitness Training

Many schools are dropping arts and physical education classes from the curriculum, to focus on math and science and other "core" disciplines. What are the consequences of this curriculum shift? We are examining the usefulness of arts and aerobic exercise at improving cognitive skills in seemingly unrelated "core" curriculum areas. This research involves randomized controlled trials with young children who have not been exposed previously to arts training, and so far we have demonstrated far transfer to intelligence and executive function skills.

A related line of research that is part of a proposal currently under review will examine arts and aerobic fitness training in older adults. Arts and aerobic exercise have the potential to improve cognitive function in older adults and reduce the rate of cognitive decline, as a form of cognitive rehabilitation.