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Tag Archives: retrieval practice

Two New Ways of Thinking About Memory
In our classroom work, we teachers focus on learning; in their research, psychologists and neuroscientists often focus on memory. We have, in other words, different frameworks for talking about the same topic. When I find one review article that provides TWO fresh ways

“But How Do We Know If It Works in the Classroom?”: The Latest on Retrieval Practice
We’ve heard so much about retrieval practice in the last two years that it seems like we’ve ALWAYS known about its merits. But no: this research pool hasn’t been widely known among teachers until recently. We can thank Agarwal and

“Successive Relearning”: 1 + 1 = +10%
We know that “retrieval practice” helps students learn. We know that “spacing” does too. What happens when we combine those techniques? Continue reading

Retrieval Practice is GREAT. Can We Make It Better?
Retrieval practice and common sense add up to a winning combination. Which means: they help students remember more. Continue reading

Beyond Retrieval Practice: The Benefits of Student-Generated Questions
Is it better to have students ANSWER questions or to ASK question? Recent research from Germany provides a helpfully specific way to think about study strategies. Continue reading

The Neuroscience of Retrieval Practice
We know THAT retrieval practice helps students learn. It would be really cool to know what difference it makes in the brain. Well, we’re starting to learn… Continue reading

What Do Teachers Get Right About Cognitive Science?
A new report from Deans for Impact offers us valuable insight into teachers’ understanding — and misunderstanding — of cognitive science. Continue reading

Are “Retrieval Practice” and “Spacing” Equally Important? [Updated]
A recent study with college precalculus students helps us understand: is retrieval practice more important than spacing? Continue reading

Retrieval Grids: The Good, the Bad, and the Potential Solutions
“Retrieval grids” promote retrieval practice — that’s good! But they might lead to working-memory overload — that’s really bad. Happily, we might be able to solve this problem… Continue reading

Can Multiple-Choice Tests Really Help Students?
Surprise: a well-designed multiple choice question might in fact help students. Why? Because it requires extra retrieval practice to sort out all the answers. Continue reading