What is retrieval practice?

Summary

The video emphasizes the power of retrieval practice in improving learning and reducing forgetting. Based on over 100 years of cognitive science research, it highlights how actively recalling information, through activities like quizzes, flashcards, and writing exercises, strengthens memory. Unlike high-stakes exams, which assess knowledge, low-stakes retrieval activities focus on enhancing learning. The video suggests using ungraded quizzes and short reflection exercises to boost student learning, transforming classrooms by focusing on getting information out of students’ minds rather than just storing it.

Takeaways

• 😀 Retrieval practice is the most effective strategy for improving learning, according to over 100 years of cognitive science research.
• 😀 Educators can't teach everything, and students can't learn everything, but using effective strategies can help maximize learning.
• 😀 Retrieval practice helps to improve retention by bringing information to mind, such as answering quiz questions or recalling past topics.
• 😀 Unlike traditional assessments that measure learning, retrieval practice focuses on improving learning through low or no-stakes activities.
• 😀 Activities like ungraded quizzes, flashcards, and quick writing exercises can be used to practice retrieval and improve learning.
• 😀 High-stakes exams are often used to assess learning, while retrieval activities are more effective for strengthening student knowledge.
• 😀 Cognitive scientists support the use of strategies like quizzes, short writing exercises, and reflection for enhancing learning outcomes.
• 😀 Breaking up a large assessment into smaller, ungraded quizzes can help students retain knowledge and reduce forgetting.
• 😀 Short writing exercises that reflect on previous lessons can strengthen memory and learning retention in students.
• 😀 Retrieval practice is applicable across different educational contexts, including K-12 classrooms and medical education.
• 😀 To implement retrieval practice in the classroom, educators should explore various strategies and be mindful of feedback and timing to maximize effectiveness.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by students and educators in the learning process?

Students can't learn everything, and educators can't teach everything, especially not repeatedly each time students forget what they’ve learned.

What is the most effective strategy for improving learning, according to cognitive science research?

Retrieval practice is the most powerful and effective strategy for improving learning, based on over 100 years of research by cognitive scientists.

How does retrieval practice improve learning compared to other techniques?

Retrieval practice is more effective than techniques such as lectures, concept maps, and note-taking, as it involves actively recalling information, which strengthens learning.

How does retrieval practice work in practice?

Retrieval practice involves bringing information to mind and using it. For example, students retrieve knowledge when answering quiz questions, reflecting on a topic from the past week, or recalling simple daily details like what they ate for breakfast.

How do high-stakes exams differ from low-stakes or no-stakes retrieval activities?

High-stakes exams primarily evaluate learning, while low-stakes or no-stakes retrieval activities, such as quizzes and flashcards, focus on improving learning rather than assessing it.

Why are quizzes and writing exercises useful in retrieval practice?

Quizzes and writing exercises are useful because they allow students to actively retrieve and apply knowledge, reinforcing the information and strengthening learning.

What is the recommended approach for implementing retrieval practice in the classroom?

Teachers can use ungraded or low-stakes quizzes, break up large assessments into smaller, weekly quizzes, and provide short writing exercises for students to reflect on what they've learned.

What role does feedback play in retrieval practice?

Feedback can enhance retrieval practice, though cognitive science research also explores the optimal frequency of retrieval opportunities and whether feedback should be given after each retrieval activity.

How can retrieval practice be applied in specific educational fields, such as medical education?

Research is being conducted to explore how retrieval practice can improve learning in fields like medical education, including whether short-answer or multiple-choice quizzes are more effective and how often retrieval activities should be used.

What is the key takeaway for transforming classroom learning through retrieval practice?

The key takeaway is to shift the focus from getting information into students' minds to getting information out of their heads through regular retrieval practices, ultimately transforming the learning experience.