Learning about Retrieval Practice
I wish I knew what I know now about Retrieval Practice. As a university student, my biggest frustration was the outcome of studying for an exam. I would be convinced that I’ve mastered the material only to forget it after the exam. I know that some students are able to recall information after weeks and even months! So, what’s their secret?
My disappointment grew when I had to refer to textbooks to remember what I’ve studied. This happened whether I tried applying something at work or tutoring other students. I even started getting skeptical about why we need to study at all! After researching everything related to this topic, I came to the conclusion and it mostly boiled down to RETRIEVAL PRACTICE!
So, What is Retrieval Practice?
Retrieval Practice is the practice of retrieving information as we’re learning it. For example, let’s say I’m studying a topic, such as Human Anatomy. I’ll take a section at a time and study it well. After dispersed intervals of let’s say two days, one week, three weeks, one month etc., I’ll attempt to recall this information from memory and check that I still remember it. Any gaps call for my revision of that particular topic and re-applying retrieval practice. In this way, the subject material becomes embedded in long-term memory. The idea is to transfer information from short to long-term memory.
Once the information is in long-term memory then it’s almost like in a “vault”. I can recall it whenever needed. In contrast, “cramming” ends up disappearing into thin air. Its a “quick fix” that won’t help in the long run in the practice of learning.
Regular quizzes in class also aid in the process of retrieval. Studies have shown that these frequent, scheduled quizzes help improve final grades. Students become more engaged in the course material and learning becomes more effective.
If you’re not doing so already, practice “Retrieval Learning” today. Make every study minute count towards effective, long term learning!