Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Comparison of the Impact of Spaced Instruction versus Massed Instruction on Salivary Cortisol Hormone Levels and Salivary Glucose in Beginner English Language Learners

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Fatemeh Farahmandi 1
Roya Baharlouei 2
Hadi Salehi 2
Omid Tabatabaei 3
1 PhD Student, English Department, Na. C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, English Department, Na. C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3 Associate Professor, English Department, Na. C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
10.48305/jims.v43.i838.1480
Abstract
Background: Educational methods influence English language learning and may affect physiological markers. This study compared spaced versus massed learning effects on salivary cortisol and glucose in Iranian language learners.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 118 beginner learners (60 male, 58 female) from Shahreza high schools were randomly selected. After a placement test, baseline saliva samples were collected. Participants were divided into spaced learning (n = 60, age 13.4 ± 0.5) and massed learning (n = 58, age 13.8 ± 0.4) groups. The spaced group learned 30 phonetic items in session 1 with review one week later. The massed group learned 15 new items per session without review. Post-intervention saliva samples were analyzed for cortisol (ELISA) and glucose, one-way ANCOVA for analysis (P < 0.05).
Findings: Massed learning showed significantly higher cortisol (5.68 ng/mL vs 4.59 ng/mL, P < 0.05) but insignificantly higher glucose levels (7.74 vs 7.38 mg/dL, P > 0.05) compared to spaced learning, indicating greater stress response.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that massed learning may increase anxiety and negatively impact health, while spaced learning appears less stressful. These findings can guide educators in selecting optimal teaching methods.

Highlights

Roya Baharlouei: Google Scholar

Hadi Salehi: PubMed, Google Scholar

Omid Tabatabaei: Google Scholar 

Keywords
Cognitive Load
Language Anxiety
Phonetic Alphabet Instruction
Quasi-experimental Study
Salivary Biomarkers

Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 838
2nd Week, January
January and February 2026
Pages 1480-1487

  • Receive Date 11 September 2025
  • Accept Date 14 February 2026