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Retrieval Practice#

See also: effective-learning-strategies

Initially identified as a side effect of testing. Engaging in more retrieval improves the minds retrieval strength.

With more complex knowledge retrieval practice benefits may be limited by other complicating factors. e.g. encoding factors and perhaps the likelihood of retrieval success (and knowing when it is done successfully)

Two types of retrieval:

  1. covert - info brought to mind without actually producing.
  2. overt - info brought to mind and artefact produced with it.

Retrival from short-term memory is not effective.

Suggested student activities#

  • put away class materials and write/sketch everything you know and then check
  • take as many practice tests as you can, try making your own and swapping with friends
  • make flash cards, especially moving beyond just definitions and thinking of links between ideas
  • works best when performance is checked
  • this is hard, work progressively
  • don't focus on just words and definitions, recall main ideas, their relationships and new examples

References#

Roediger III, H. L., Putnam, A. L., & Smith, M. A. (2011). Ten Benefits of Testing and Their Applications to Educational Practice. In J. P. Mestre & B. H. Ross (Eds.), Psychology of Learning and Motivation (Vol. 55, pp. 1--36). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-387691-1.00001-6