The advantage of distributed practice in a blended learning setting

Ongoing digital transformations facilitate the conduct of online courses and distance learning. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the role of learners’ personalities and behaviors in their academic success (exam scores) in a blended learning setting (combination of distance learning and face-to-face learning). Next to individual differences in several variables (including intelligence), participants’ (n = 62) learning time and learning motivation over 14 weeks (one term) using questionnaires for one learning module at the Swiss Distance University Institute was measured. Also, data on the participants’ grades at the end of the course and the number of exercises they completed during the term were obtained. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that studying at the optimal time of the day and studying regularly are relevant predictors of academic success. The results and limitations of the study are discussed in the context of academic success prediction in higher education. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10639-020-10424-9.