Retrieval Practice
A for Effort. Believe it or not, the act of trying to remember things will make you better at remembering them.
What is it?
Retrieval Practice is the act of remembering something or “bringing it to mind” as learning scientists say. This could be simply trying to write down everything you know about a subject on a blank page, or taking a practice test or using flash cards (if done correctly). The key is to not use notes or readings and just try to remember on your own. Research has shown this to be one of the most effective study techniques.
Why is it effective?
- Stronger Connections: the process of searching your memory for an item makes it easier to find that memory later. It’s like there is a path through the jungle to the thing you want to remember and each time go down the path it gets clearer and easier to follow.
- More Refined: each time you access your memory it changes a bit and gets better organized and stored in your memory.
- More Connections: our memories are connected to each other and the more we access them
- Know what you know and don’t’ know: going through the process shows you want you remember and what you don’t so you know what you need to work on.
How to Use Retrieval Practice
- Take a practice test.
- Make Flash cards. Take time and think hard before flipping the card over.
- Draw a diagram of what you know from memory.
- Check Yourself: a very important part of Retrieval Practice is to check yourself for accuracy. After a practice test check your answers. After you write down all you know on a sheet of paper check notes and readings to see what you missed.
When to Use Retrieval Practice
- When you have time before a test/quiz etc. (it’s not something that works as well the night before).
- Other than that retrieval practice can be used in most classroom situations. That’s part of why it’s an effective technique.
Tips & Tricks
- If you don’t have access to a practice test ask your professor for one or make your own if there is no one available. You can collaborate with friends to make tests using tools like Quizlet, Kahoot or even Google or Microsoft Forms
- Don’t just cram the night before. By practicing retrieval multiple times over a period of time you create the strongest, most connected, longest lasting memories.
- Retrieval practice is NOT rereading notes, listening to lectures or similar activities.
- It can feel hard, especially at first. That’s OK! This difficulty is part of learning and forming memories.
Resources
Downloads
- 1 Page Quick Guide Learn to Study Using Retrieval Practice
- Concept Map
- PDF Booklet How to use Retrieval Practice to Improve Learning (written more for teachers).
Video
Podcasts and web sites
- Podcast 21:09The Learning Scientists, episode 2: Retrieval Practice
- Blog PostBe Your Own Teacher, How to Study with Flashcards
- Podcast 9:37The Learning Scientists, episode 3: Bite-size Research on Retrieval Practice Formats
- Podcast 16:32The Learning Scientists, episode 14: How Students can use Spacing and Retrieval Practice
- Podcast 14:04 The Learning Scientists, episode 42: Bite-Size Research on Attention and Retrieval Practice
- Blog Post Retrieval Practice: the Most
- Blog Post Learn how to Study Using Retrieval
- Website