U-Behavior: A method to promote spaced and interleaved retrieval practice in challenging undergraduate microbiology and biomedical sciences courses

Students in demanding microbiology and biomedical sciences courses often rely on suboptimal study strategies, such as massed practice, despite evidence favoring spaced retrieval and interleaving for durable learning; where durable learning is learning that is retained across longer periods of time. We developed U-Behavior, an LMS-integrated pedagogy tool that coaches these behaviors through instruction, personalized visualizations of quiz attempt patterns (RPA graphs), reflections, and graded behavioral feedback. In two experiments with identical retrieval practice activities (RPAs) in gateway (VMBS 100, introductory biomedical sciences) and upper-division (MIP 300, general microbiology) courses essential for microbiology majors, we compared U-Behavior to low-stakes quizzing (control). U-Behavior significantly increased spacing and interleaving (large effects, ds > 1.75) without raising total quiz attempts. Approximately half of U-Behavior students achieved optimal practice levels. No significant between-condition differences appeared in midterm/final exams or a one-month retention test (MIP 300), likely due to partial adoption. However, higher spacing scores predicted better exam and retention performance (small-to-medium effects) beyond prior GPA and attempt quantity. U-Behavior provides a scalable, behavior-focused approach to enhance study quality in rigorous microbiology education.