Retrieval practice learning strategies

Challenge Innovate Grow: Teacher & Learner Centre

14 Jan 202104:50

Summary

TLDRThis final episode in the series on learning strategies focuses on retrieval practices, the third and final strategy after spacing and interleaving. Retrieval practices involve recalling knowledge from memory without the aid of learning materials, which helps to form concrete pathways to long-term memory and promotes a deeper understanding. Mrs. Kelly emphasizes the importance of patience and hard work, as these techniques can be challenging and may initially give a false sense of progress. She introduces five retrieval techniques: questioning, recall, flashcards, the Leetner system, and the study buddy system. These methods are designed to be used within a spacing schedule and should involve reviewing past as well as recent learning. The episode concludes with a reminder that retrieval practices should be combined with interleaving and spacing to ensure a comprehensive and connected memory of the learning material.

Takeaways

📚 Retrieval practices are a learning strategy where students recall knowledge from memory without the aid of learning materials.
🔄 Retrieval practices should be paired with spacing and interleaving techniques for better learning outcomes.
❌ Avoid the illusion of memory by not just reviewing, rehearsing, or repeating; instead, focus on actual memory retrieval.
💡 Memory retrieval techniques create concrete pathways to long-term memory, promoting a deeper understanding.
🕒 Retrieval techniques require patience and time, and may initially feel like no progress is being made.
🔑 Actual memory is the goal, not just familiarity with the material.
🤔 Five retrieval techniques introduced: questioning, recall it all, flashcards, Leetner system, and study buddy system.
📝 Questioning involves answering questions from memory and checking for accuracy, which can take various forms.
🔁 Use retrieval techniques as part of a spacing schedule, ensuring past learning is retrieved, not just recent.
👥 The study buddy system involves partnering with someone to test and teach each other, enhancing the learning process.
📈 Leetner system combines retrieval and spacing with specific review timings and a system of moving cards between boxes based on performance.
📱 Electronic apps like Anki, RemNote, and Quizlet can facilitate the Leetner system, but physical flashcards can be just as effective.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the final episode in the series on learning strategies?
-The main focus of the final episode is to introduce and explain retrieval practices, the third and final learning strategy that students will be looking at.
How does retrieval practice differ from review, rehearsal, or repetition techniques?
-Retrieval practice differs as it involves retrieving knowledge from memory without the aid of any learning materials, which can help avoid the illusion of memory and promote actual long-term memory retention.
What are the potential pitfalls of review, rehearsal, or repetition techniques?
-These techniques can lead to familiarity with the materials and the development of the illusion of memory, where students may feel they have learned the content without actually having it firmly stored in long-term memory.
Why is it important to be patient and work hard when implementing retrieval techniques?
-Retrieval techniques can be difficult to implement and may make students feel like they are not making progress. However, patience and hard work are necessary to see the results and to build actual memory rather than the illusion of memory.
What are the five retrieval techniques that Mrs. Kelly plans to teach?
-The five retrieval techniques are: 1) Questioning, 2) Recall it all, 3) Flashcards, 4) Leetner system, and 5) Study buddy system.
How does the questioning retrieval technique work?
-Questioning involves answering question sets by yourself, without any assistance, and then checking for accuracy. This can be done using various forms of questions such as short questions, mini or long mocks quizzes, or multiple-choice questions.
What is the purpose of the 'Recall it all' technique?
-The 'Recall it all' technique involves writing down or mapping out everything you know about a topic, then referring back to your learning materials to identify what you have missed. This helps in creating a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
What is the Leetner system and how does it work?
-The Leetner system is a combination of retrieval and spacing practices. It involves creating flashcards with a question or definition on one side and the answer on the other. Cards are reviewed at specific intervals (daily, every third day, weekly, fortnightly, and monthly) and are moved through boxes based on whether they are answered correctly or not.
How can the study buddy system assist in learning?
-The study buddy system involves finding a partner to work with, where both individuals can test and teach each other. This interactive approach enhances learning by providing different perspectives and making the process more enjoyable.
What is the advice given for using retrieval practices effectively?
-Retrieval practices should be used alongside interleaving and spacing techniques to ensure a broad, deep, and connected memory of the learning material.
What is the next topic that will be covered in the series?
-The next topic in the series will be about developing a growth mindset.
What is the importance of interleaving and spacing in the context of learning strategies?
-Interleaving and spacing are important as they help distribute the learning process over time, which can enhance memory retention and understanding of the material.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Retrieval Practices

This final episode of the series focuses on retrieval practices, the third learning strategy explored by Una and Amanda. Retrieval practices involve recalling knowledge from memory without any learning aids. They are meant to be used in conjunction with spacing and interleaving techniques previously discussed. The importance of avoiding the illusion of memory and creating concrete pathways to long-term memory is emphasized. Mrs. Kelly advises patience and hard work, as these techniques can be challenging to implement. She introduces five retrieval techniques: questioning, recall it all, flashcards, the Leetner system, and the study buddy system, each designed to enhance learning and memory retention.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Retrieval Practices

Retrieval practices refer to the method of recalling information from memory without the use of study materials. This technique is crucial for the video's theme as it forms the basis of the learning strategies being discussed. In the script, retrieval practices are described as a way to solidify knowledge in long-term memory by creating well-defined pathways, contrasting with the illusion of memory that can come from mere review or repetition.

💡Spacing

Spacing is a learning technique where study sessions are spread out over time, rather than crammed into a short period. It is a key component in the video's discussion on effective learning strategies. The script mentions that retrieval practices should be paired with spacing techniques to enhance long-term memory retention, emphasizing the importance of spacing in the learning process.

💡Interleaving

Interleaving is the practice of mixing different types of tasks or topics within a study session. It is presented in the video as a complementary strategy to retrieval practices and spacing. The script explains that interleaving should be used alongside retrieval practices to ensure a broad, deep, and connected memory of the learning material.

💡Illusion of Memory

The illusion of memory is a cognitive phenomenon where individuals believe they have learned something when they have only become familiar with the material's presentation. The video warns against this illusion, stressing the importance of actual memory retrieval over mere familiarity. The script illustrates this concept by cautioning against the risk of becoming familiar with materials through review, rehearsal, or repetition without true retrieval.

💡Questioning

Questioning is a retrieval technique where one answers questions from memory without assistance. It is a specific method highlighted in the video for implementing retrieval practices. The script provides an example of how questioning can take various forms, such as short questions or quizzes, and emphasizes the importance of checking for accuracy and acknowledging mistakes as part of the learning process.

💡Recall

Recall is the act of bringing information back into conscious awareness from memory. It is a fundamental aspect of the retrieval practices discussed in the video. The script describes a technique where students write down everything they know about a topic and then refer back to their materials to identify gaps in their knowledge, which is a form of recall.

💡Flashcards

Flashcards are a study tool consisting of a question or key term on one side and the corresponding answer or definition on the other. They are presented in the video as a retrieval technique. The script details how to use flashcards effectively by looking at the question and attempting to answer it before revealing the answer, which reinforces memory and understanding.

💡Leetner System

The Leetner System is a flashcard-based learning technique that combines retrieval and spacing practices. It is mentioned in the video as a structured method to enhance memory. The script outlines the system's rules, which involve moving cards through different review boxes based on whether the answer is correctly recalled, and how it integrates with daily, weekly, and monthly review schedules.

💡Study Buddy System

The study buddy system involves partnering with someone to test and teach each other, which is highlighted in the video as an effective learning strategy. The script explains that this interactive approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also reinforces knowledge through the act of teaching and assessing one another.

💡Memory Pathways

Memory pathways refer to the neural connections in the brain that are created and strengthened when information is learned and recalled. The concept is central to the video's message about learning strategies, as it underscores the importance of retrieval practices in creating these pathways. The script mentions that retrieval practices promote a more robust and deeper understanding by creating concrete and well-defined pathways to long-term memory.

💡Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It is briefly mentioned at the end of the video as a topic for a future episode, suggesting its relevance to the overall series on learning strategies. The script implies that developing a growth mindset is important for learners to embrace challenges and persist in the face of difficulties, which aligns with the video's emphasis on the effort required for effective learning techniques.

Highlights

Retrieval practices are the third and final learning strategy introduced in the series.

Retrieval involves recalling knowledge from memory without any learning materials.

Retrieval should be paired with spacing and interleaving techniques from previous episodes.

Retrieval practices differ from review, rehearsal, or repetition by creating pathways to long-term memory.

Mrs. Kelly emphasizes the importance of patience and hard work in implementing retrieval techniques.

The illusion of memory is a pitfall that retrieval practices aim to avoid.

Five retrieval techniques are introduced: questioning, recall it all, flashcards, the Leetner system, and the study buddy system.

Questioning involves self-testing with various types of questions and checking for accuracy.

Recall it all entails mapping out known information and comparing it with study materials for gaps.

Flashcards should include a question or key term on one side and the answer or definition on the other.

The Leetner system combines retrieval with spaced repetition, using a system of boxes and review timings.

Study buddy system involves partnering with someone to test and teach each other, enhancing the learning process.

Presentations from memory can be a powerful retrieval practice, engaging the brain and solidifying understanding.

Retrieval practices should be used alongside interleaving and spacing for a broad, deep, and connected memory.

The series will continue with a focus on developing a growth mindset in the next episode.

The importance of avoiding the illusion of memory and striving for actual memory retention is stressed.

Apps like Anki, RemNote, and Quizlet are suggested for electronic implementation of the Leetner system.

The act of teaching a study buddy about a topic without learning materials is a recommended strategy for deep learning.

The episode concludes with an invitation to like, subscribe, and enable notifications for future content.