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Repetition Helps Learning
by Jarvis Crosby
Context:
I use the methodology of repeating things to aid in learning.
There are moments that I think repetition in an adult learning context is an insult to the adult learner. I think that by repeating what I say the adult learner will think, “I’m not stupid. I can get it the first time. You do not need to repeat.”
Recently I used repetition in a storying session as I do many times but this time I asked the learners for feedback. In this particular storying session I played an oral recording of Acts 2. This chapter of Acts was familiar to the learners. I set the context of the story, gave a couple while-listening questions, played the audio recording, had discussion, and then asked the adult learners to listen to it a second time and reflect-while-listening as to what they missed during the first listening activity.
Immediately following the last word of the story and just as I sat down after turning off the recording a learner spoke up and said, “What I missed the first time listening was….” Then immediately after that learner stopped talking another learner spoke up and shared what he missed the first time listening. The spontaneity of the learners’ statements surprised me. The first learner was a newly married young professional and the second was a retired businessman.
I use the methodology of repeating things to aid in learning. I have seen the benefit repetition instills in learning contexts and will continue to use the method.
Following this storying session I emailed those present and asked them to provide me some of their thoughts towards repeating a very familiar story. Here are the responses of those who responded:
· “The ‘second-time-listening’ also had an impact on me: what I learned was that [and then proceeded to list several things learned]” (an older adult, fluent in at least 3 languages).
· “I liked that you did it twice.
Listening 1st (with eyes closed for focus)
Listening 2nd time while following along in the word brought out points I failed to pick up in the 1st go round.” (retired professional)
· “Yes I have really appreciated listening to the Scripture passages. Especially when we hear it a couple of different times.” (recent college graduate)
· “Twice is good. I was able to get more the second time around” (construction worker)
Repetition is not just for children nor those with learning challenges. I believe repetition is a great tool to use when facilitating learning. Do not underestimate the power of repetition, even when the story is familiar. Use the tool wisely and with purpose.
