Quick successes give a false sense of mastery, while deep learning comes from challenge. It feels great when students succeed quickly. But easy success can create the illusion of true competence: the “Easy-Wins Illusion.” Deep learning often requires making mistakes, facing difficulty, and persevering. Example: A student scores well on simple quizzes and feels confident. But during a more complex exam, it becomes clear their understanding was superficial.
Bjork, R. A., Dunlosky, J., & Kornell, N. (2013). Self-regulated learning: Beliefs, techniques, and illusions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 417–444.
Kornell, N., & Bjork, R. A. (2008). Learning concepts and categories: Is spacing the “enemy of induction”? Psychological Science, 19(6), 585–592.
Rohrer, D., & Pashler, H. (2007). Increasing retention without increasing study time. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(4), 183–186.