The Science
7spell is scientifically designed, and utilizes principles based on decades of research in learning, retention, and psychology. Here is a summary of the theory and research behind 7spell's effectiveness.
Craik, F., and Tulving, E. "Depth of processing and the retention of words in episodic memory." Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, Vol 104(3) (1975): 268-294. Print and PDF. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0096-3445.104.3.268
In this seminal study performed at the University of Toronto, Canada, the authors performed a series of tests in which they gave the study participants a sequence of words to learn, with information related to each word as it appeared in order. They discovered that when the information provided stimulated the participant's brain to process the word on a more involved level (referred to as "deep encoding" or "degree of elaboration" in the study), that word was more effectively learned and remembered. With 7spell, the user is given a wide range of additional information about each spelling word, including the word's definition - one of the key factors in enhanced memory, according to this study - as well as usage examples, synonyms, and antonyms.
Garcia, S.M., Tor, A., and Schiff, T.M. "The Psychology of Competition: A Social Comparison Perspective." Perspectives on Psychological Science, November 2013, 8(6):634-650. Print and web. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1745691613504114
Each person is influenced by a unique set of factors related to their own status and progress towards goals, but is also affected to a greater or lesser degree by the achievements and perceived standards of the people around them. This analysis of past and current studies looks at the way people view and are motivated by individual goals as well as societal achievement (competition). The authors conclude that effective use of motivational strategies must take both into account. This is something that 7spell accomplishes by providing each user with the ability to set personal goals, earn reward points, and view their own progress tracking reports, and also to publish all of those results on public social media platforms.
Kivetz, R., Urminsky, O., and Zheng, Y. "The Goal-Gradient Hypothesis Resurrected: Purchase Acceleration, Illusionary Goal Progress, and Customer Retention." Journal of Marketing Research, February 2006, 43(1):39-58. Web. http://dx.doi.org/10.1509/jmkr.43.1.39
In a study focusing on the influence of reward-scheme programs on behavior, the authors found that when people see visible progress towards their goals they are more likely to increase the activity required to reach those goals. The study also confirms that most people are also motivated by receiving rewards for completing specific activities, even if those rewards are not immediately transferable to actual material or monetary benefits. Status points, rewards, and real-time progress tracking are all methods used in 7spell to encourage frequent spelling practice by awarding points for the completion of exercises and activities. Because the user can access their progress charts at any time, they will always be able to see how close they are to achieving their personal spelling goals.
Buton, M., Winterbauer, N., and Todd, T. "Relapse processes after the extinction of instrumental learning: Renewal, resurgence, and reacquisition." Behavioural Processes, May 2012, 90(1): 130–141. Print and web. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2012.03.004
Instrumental learning, also called "operant conditioning," is a method by which behaviors are learned in connection with a stimulus, a reward, or both. In this research done at the University of Vermont, the authors studied the ways in which the information connected to a specific behavior is retained when the stimulus is removed, and how subsequent repetition or reward reinforces information recall and a resumption of previously learned behaviors. They conclude that there are two primary methods of reinforcing active memory and behavior: by creating a different way to test the subject's memory, and by providing the opportunity for intensive focused repetition of that stimulus-behavior response. These two methods are widely used in the 7spell activities and games to create the link between instruction and memory that is so crucial in effective spelling learning on the student's part.
Xue, G., Mei, L., Chen, C., Lu, Z-L., Poldrack, R., Dong, Q. "Spaced Learning Enhances Subsequent Recognition Memory by Reducing Neural Repetition Suppression." Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience 2011;23(7):1624-1633. Print and web. http://doi:10.1162/jocn.2010.21532
In this study comparing long-term and short-term memory, the study authors tested the neural activity of participants as they memorized a set of images. Half of the study participants used massed learning techniques, in which each new image was presented multiple times in a row; the other half were given the images in a spaced repetition mode, where the images were shown in alternating order. Although each participant saw each image the same number of times, the people in the spaced-repetition exercise were able to accurately remember more images, and for a longer period of time. Repetition is a key technique in learning spelling, and 7spell incorporates spaced repetition in two ways. First, the system uses randomized selection of spelling words from the user's current list to populate the activities and exercises, ensuring an interval between word reviews. Second, the system's Word Discover feature provides pop-up instant review of the words on that list, again in random order. By providing users with multiple opportunities throughout the day to read and review their words, 7spell provides all of the benefits of the spaced repetition methodology in its spelling instruction.
Blocki, J., Cranor, L., Datta, A., and Komanduri, S. "Spaced Repetition and Mnemonics Enable Recall of Multiple Strong Passwords." Cornell University Library, January 3, 2015. PDF. http://arxiv.org/abs/1410.1490v2
Spaced repetition is a memory training tool that relies on frequent and consistent review of information; mnemonics is a memory technique that involves multiple ways of looking at that information, such as the incorporation of images or story lines. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University focused on the combination of spaced repetition and mnemonics in evaluating how best to train people to remember specific pieces of information: computer passwords. They found that by combining the two methodologies, the results in both ease of learning and retention were increased. 7spell uses each method separately and together to help users learn and remember new spelling words by using the same words in multiple exercises, presenting spelling words in a variety of formats, and encouraging users to add information related to each word to make a personal connection that helps them to remember that word and its correct spelling.
Every school year, it seems there are more and more things that students need, and that parents have to purchase – or that teachers need to buy to keep their own classrooms stocked. For homeschooling parents on a limited budget, it’s especially important to find good sources for important supplies and learning tools. That’s why Kaitlyn Trabucco and the rest of the team at www.Educents.com spend their time searching for affordable, useful, and fun-to-use educational materials and making them available on their website at a discounted price for parents and teachers alike. If you’re looking for an online store that has everything you need to help a child learn, then you’ll want to visit the Educents site!
US: Your website has been highly rated by parents, teachers, and homeschooling organizations alike. What’s your own background in education?
Kaitlyn: My business partner, Kate Whiting, has worked as CMO for various educational and homeschooling companies for many years and originally had the idea for Educents. She saw the need for access to affordable education and decided something needed to be done. Kate and I met while getting our masters degree and I was coming straight from an organization trying to provide education in Haiti. When she approached me about the idea of Educents, I knew it was a great need and we were the women to do it. As they say, the rest is history. (Kate and Kaitlyn- Yes, it does get confusing in the office!)
US: Through your website, people can buy everything from educational toys to complete study guides for mathematics, spelling courses, or English grammar lessons, and all at very reasonable prices. How are you able to offer such low prices for the products you offer?
Kaitlyn: We are applying the group buying method to the educational world. We have gained over 80,000 members in just a year so therefore we are able to negotiate large discounts with vendors. Vendors get their product out to the masses and customers get great discounts. It’s a win-win.
US: Many adults will remember their own childhood when they see the “See & Spell” wooden letter puzzles and cut-out shapes that kids can use to learn to spell. Do you find that parents are more likely to buy one of these “old-fashioned” toys at first, or are people looking for more high-tech learning tools these days, like spelling software?
Kaitlyn: Both. I think there is a trend to return to the simpler toys of another generation without all the flashy lights and gadgets and yes, a lot of toys are timeless. But education is embracing technology in a fast and furious way where we will continue to see highly advanced software and computer programs entering the classroom and changing access to education. If we want to provide education for all (which we do!) then I believe products like spelling software will play an important role in the future of education.
US: Speaking of high-tech tools, many classrooms are integrating technology and computers into even basic reading or math classes, so children need to learn how to use laptops and keyboards at an early age. What do you recommend to parents to help them teach a child to learn to type?
Kaitlyn: Your child will learn to type if they are engaged with what is happening on the screen. I suggest finding the most interactive typing software so that your child will stay engaged and want to type as fast as they can! Also, our customers gave us really great feedback on the Ultimate Typing Software. They really did! Sold like hotcakes. =)
US: Most of the materials on the website right now are for children, but there are a few learning tools for young teenagers as well. Are you planning to expand the shop to include older students, and perhaps high school study guides?
Kaitlyn: Yes, we are always expanding and looking for new products! Send any suggestions you have to business@educents.com
Cross-posted on the Ultimate Vocabulary blog.
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