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Use In-Class Retrieval Practice to Maximize Retention

Tags

Study Skills & Tools MS/HS/College Strategy

Skills

Working Memory Verbal Reasoning Verbal Memory Abstract Reasoning Visual Memory

Use In-Class Retrieval Practice to Maximize Retention

If your student regularly forgets key information

Teach It!

  1. Objective: Use retrieval practice (practice tests, quizzes and polling) regularly for reinforcing classroom instruction to help improve retention and understanding, and reduce test anxiety.
  2. Teacher Takeaways: a) Give students frequent (e.g. daily, weekly) no stakes or low stakes quizzes that require them to remember what they have learned. Retrieval practice is far more effective than re-reading notes or rote repetition. b) Exercises should require recall of information (e.g. short answer, fill-in, essay) rather than just recognize it (e.g. multiple choice, true/false). c) Try a tech-based option that allow in-class, polling such as Kahoot.
  3. Teacher Notes: When quizzing in class, be sure to provide prompt feedback. Feedback positively reinforces correct answers and ensures incorrect answers are not embedded in memory.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

Practice retrieving information from memory is far more effective than re-reading notes in helping students understand and retain information. In addition, research from Agarwal et. al. shows that when most students have in-class retrieval practice, they are likely to feel less anxious or stressed when they prepare for the actual test.

Best-suited for students with weaker: Attention, Inhibition, Long-term Memory, Short-Term Memory, Processing Speed (Source: Digital Promise Learner Variability Project)