Day 20: Learning Technique 7: Retrieval Practice

Today we discuss our learning technique #7, retrieval practice or testing,  which is the process of actively recalling or applying knowledge (either for practice, or as a test). You will learn what this technique is, the science behind it, why you should use it, and finally how you can apply it to accelerate your learning.

Resources for this lesson:

• Transcripts
• Worksheet
• List of Scientific References

Summary

What is Retrieval Practice?

Retrieval practice or testing is the process of actively recalling or applying knowledge (either for practice, or as a test).

• Retrieval practice can be considered as an alternative learning method to other options such as re-reading, highlighting or note-taking.
• Similar to active recall, retrieval practice requires pulling info from our memory that we previously learned and apply them in a new situation.
• However, the difference is that active recall is done immediately after you learn material. Retrieval practice is when you're recalling something much later, like on tests.

Why it matters: Although testing gets a bad rap, it's an extremely powerful tool to have in your learning toolbox.

What does the science say?

Retrieval practice works because of the testing effect [1], which states that people learn more by being tested.

• Remarkably, people learn more by taking tests, even when they don't get feedback on how well they did on the test.
• The testing effect is most effective when the test is not too easy saying students get about 90% or more correct.
• When tested, you engage in deep processing, where you're spending a lot of mental energy trying to recall something, which is solidifying those links in your long-term memory.
• Practicing testing over different periods of time also engages in spaced repetition and deliberate practice. Two concepts that we'll cover here in the next few lessons.

One study [2] compared learning strategies including reviewing the text a single time, reviewing it for repeatedly, free recall or testing.

• Those who practiced free recall remembered almost 50% more than the other participants.

Why should you use it?

Using retrieval practice allows you to check yourself, avoiding our ability to lie to ourselves about what we know or don't know.

• Testing yourself separates your ego from your emotions to clearly see whether you know the information.

Using strategies like rereading highlighting and writing long notes get us comfortable with the material and can lead to an illusion known as the fluency effect.

• All we're really doing with these strategies is putting the information into our short-term memories, engaging in recognition or material, not recall.
• If we test ourselves on a few days later, we'll find that we're unable to recall most of what we've learned.
• To truly know information, we have to be recalling information from  long-term memory without seeing other choices that could cue you to what you're trying to remember.

How do you use it?

Engage in Active Recall when learning anything:

1. Engage with some learning material to learn new information
2. Put away the learning material and notes so you can't see it.
3. Try to recall from memory what you just learned.

When tests are available:

• Take the final exam before you start learning anything. Based on the forward testing effect, retrieval will enhance future learning. even when you have not studied the material yet.
• After learning material, practice with old tests or practice tests online. Research shows that the best way to prepare for a test is by practicing with questions similar to those on the upcoming test.

When tests are not available:

• Create flashcards, a simple, yet effective way to learn pairing associations between questions and answers.
• Use the question and book method by taking notes as questions which will requires you to recall information from memory when studying your notes.
• Create self-generated challenges to practice skills, like a programmer actually writing small algorithms, which require remembering information and how to apply it.
• Use closed book learning which prevents you from looking at source material when engaging with past material. Create your own tests and don't look for answers in the book!

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Activity

Practice retrieval practice by recalling the information you learned about the previous six techniques in the last section.

Answer the following questions:

1. What is active recall and how do you apply it?
2. How do you do a Pomodoro session?
3. How is chunking related to memory?
4. What is interleaving and how do you apply it?
5. When using dual coding, why is it more effective to learn visually and auditory?
6. What techniques can you use to read more effectively?

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Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.