AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
Distributed.
Full specification wording
Impact of skill classification on structure of practice for learning: Distributed.
Distributed practice is a practice structure in which rest intervals are longer and more frequent, so that work periods are separated by recovery.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 7 of 10
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Distributed practice is a practice structure in which rest intervals are longer and more frequent, so that work periods are separated by recovery. It suits complex, continuous or open skills, and skills that are early in learning, because the performer needs time to process feedback, recover physically and maintain concentration. For example, a gymnast learning a new routine might rehearse a short section, rest, receive coaching points, then repeat, or a tennis player might practise a difficult serve with pauses between attempts. The coach chooses distributed practice when the skill is demanding, when fatigue would harm technique, or when the performer is a beginner. It is contrasted with massed practice, where rest is minimal.
What earns the marks
- Defines distributed practice as rehearsal with longer and more frequent rest intervals between attempts.
- Explains that distributed practice suits complex, continuous or open skills and skills early in learning.
- Identifies benefits such as recovery, concentration, feedback processing and protection of technique.
- Recognises limitations such as slower accumulation of repetitions and greater demand on session time.
- Applies the structure to a sporting example, for example a gymnast rehearsing a routine section with coaching feedback between attempts.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking distributed practice means spreading practice across several different sports.
Put it right: It means spreading repetitions of a skill with rest between them.
Assuming distributed practice is only for beginners.
Put it right: It also suits complex, continuous or open skills at any stage.
Confusing distributed practice with part practice.
Put it right: Distributed describes rest intervals, while part describes breaking a skill into components.
Believing rest intervals are wasted time.
Put it right: They allow recovery, feedback processing and maintained concentration.
Exam tips
- Justify distributed practice by referring to the complexity, continuity or openness of the skill.
- Use a named sporting example to show how work and rest periods alternate in a session.
- When evaluating, weigh improved quality of practice against the slower accumulation of repetitions.
- Contrast distributed with massed practice clearly, using the length and frequency of rest intervals as the key difference.
Try the lesson
The start of the Impact of skill classification on structure of practice for learning: Distributed. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In a distributed practice session, how is the practice time structured?
Listen
Distributed practice is a practice structure in which rest intervals are longer and more frequent, so that work periods are separated by recovery. It suits complex, continuous or open skills, and skills that are early in learning, because the performer needs time to process feedback, recover physically and maintain concentration. For example, a gymnast learning a new routine might rehearse a short section, rest, receive coaching points, then repeat, or a tennis player might practise a difficult serve with pauses between attempts. The coach chooses distributed practice when the skill is demanding, when fatigue would harm technique, or when the performer is a beginner. It is contrasted with massed practice, where rest is minimal. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Defines distributed practice as rehearsal with longer and more frequent rest intervals between attempts. Explains that distributed practice suits complex, continuous or open skills and skills early in learning. Identifies benefits such as recovery, concentration, feedback processing and protection of technique. Recognises limitations such as slower accumulation of repetitions and greater demand on session time. Exam tip: Justify distributed practice by referring to the complexity, continuity or openness of the skill.
See it
Key words
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Distributed practice
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Rest intervals
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Massed practice
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Structure of practice
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See every definition
- Distributed practice
- A practice structure in which rest intervals are longer and more frequent, so that work periods are separated by recovery.
- Rest intervals
- The periods of recovery between attempts, which are longer and more frequent in distributed practice.
- Massed practice
- A practice structure in which rest is minimal, contrasted with distributed practice.
- Structure of practice
- The way practice is organised for learning, such as distributed practice with longer and more frequent rest intervals.
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