TITLE:
Cognitive Principles in Mobile Learning Applications
AUTHORS:
William B. Huffman, Sowon Hahn
KEYWORDS:
Foreign Language Learning, m-Learning, Retrieval Practice, Repeated Retrieval Practice, Keyword Method
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.6 No.4,
March
26,
2015
ABSTRACT: As m-learning (mobile-learning) applications are rapidly growing, it is
important to incorporate principles of human cognition in those applications.
In the present study, a foreign language learning application environment was
developed using various learning methods in order to identify optimal
m-learning applications. Using computer-based learning experiments that
assimilate an m-learning environment, participants were tested over their
long-term memory retention of newly learned German vocabulary words. Specifically,
we compared the effectiveness of rote learning, retrieval practice, repeated
retrieval practice, and the keyword method. Experiment 1 showed that repeated
retrieval practice was more beneficial for memory especially for longer
retention intervals. Experiment 2 yielded that repeated retrieval practice was more effective
for learning German vocabulary words than the keyword and rote learning
methods. No statistical differences were found between the keyword and rote
learning conditions. The present research suggests that retrieval practice can
be effectively incorporated in m-learning applications. Implications and future
directions are discussed.