Retrieval Practice: The Most Underused Learning Technique

There is a robust, repeatedly replicated finding about how to remember things, and almost nobody uses it because it feels worse than the alternative.

The testing effect

Retrieving information from memory strengthens the memory more than re-exposing yourself to it does. This has been demonstrated across material types, age groups, retention intervals and laboratory and classroom settings. In typical experiments, a group that studies then tests outperforms a group that studies twice on a delayed final test, often substantially - even though the study-twice group had more exposure to the material.

Why it works

Several accounts. Retrieval requires reconstructing the memory, which strengthens the retrieval route itself. It creates additional retrieval cues. It involves elaboration during the search process. And it provides accurate feedback about what you actually know, which studying does not. Notably, retrieval strengthens memory even when the retrieval attempt fails, provided feedback follows - so getting it wrong and then seeing the answer beats not trying.

Applying it

Close the book and write down what you remember. Use flashcards, but answer before flipping rather than reading both sides. Do practice problems rather than reading worked examples. Explain the material to someone. Answer end-of-chapter questions before reading the chapter. The uncomfortable part is that this feels harder and less fluent than rereading, and that feeling causes people to abandon it in favour of the technique that works worse.

Where Cognizil fits in

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