Use of Distributed Practice for Intervention of SSD

Question

When working with children with speech sound disorders, does distributive practice improve or enhance performance?   

Answer

The general trend is for distributed practice to enhance learning, retention and transfer.  Mass practice enhances acquisition during initial performance.  Therefore, starting with mass practice seems to be very important for the initial acquisition of skills and then as you move toward the end of treatment the use of distributed practice would be more helpful. 

Steven Skelton is an associate professor of speech-language pathology a California State University, Fresno. He holds a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has published research in the area of treatment of speech sound disorders in children and has made numerous presentations at local, state, and national venues.