Massed versus distributed wordprocessor training

Two groups of subjects were trained on 12 basic word processing (WP) functions. One group was trained in a 'massed' 60-minute session and the other on a 'distributed' schedule of 60 min in two sessions separated by a ten-minute break. Subjects were tested on speed and accuracy immediately after training, and one week later to measure retention. It was found that the distributed training group performed significantly faster and more accurately than the massed group. This result was obtained at the end of the training period and also on the retention test. The results strongly indicate that a session of 60 min is too long for efficient WP training.