Retrieval Practice and Why It Works

Testing comes with some negative connotations. But does all testing really deserve the bad rap it tends to receive? In a study from June 2017, Rethinking the Use of Tests: A Meta-Analysis of Practice Testing, researchers from Washington State University make the case that testing, and specifically practice testing, is actually the most effective form of learning over all other types of studying. And, the more difficult the practice quiz, the better the student retains what they learned. This aligns with a learning strategy called “retrieval practice.”

What is Retrieval Practice? 

Retrieval practice is a learning strategy where students actively recall information rather than simply reviewing it. This technique focuses on the process of pulling knowledge from memory, which strengthens the ability to remember it later. Unlike passive studying methods, retrieval practice encourages learners to engage with the material repeatedly, enhancing their understanding and retention. Retrieval practice has several important benefits: 

• It leads to better long-term retention compared to re-reading, note-taking, or passive review. 
• It helps identify gaps in knowledge and understanding. 
• It improves students' metacognition (awareness of their own learning process). 

Why Does Retrieval Practice Work?

When using retrieval practice, the focus isn’t on putting information into the brain but on extracting information out. The act of deliberately recalling information strengthens our memory and actually helps learners identify what they don’t know. The more an individual struggles with retrieving a piece of information, and the more regularly they attempt to retrieve this information, the better their retention of the content.

This effectiveness is rooted in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. When we retrieve information, we're not simply accessing a static file in our brain; we're actively reconstructing the memory. This process strengthens the neural pathways associated with that information, making it easier to recall in the future. Additionally, retrieval practice creates what psychologists call "desirable difficulties" – challenges that, while making learning feel more effortful in the short term, lead to stronger long-term retention and understanding. 

How to Implement Retrieval Practice in the Classroom 

Teachers can incorporate this strategy through various methods, each designed to encourage students to actively recall information from memory. One effective approach is the use of frequent, low-stakes quizzes. These can be short multiple-choice, true/false, or open-ended questions that prompt students to retrieve key concepts from previous lessons. It's crucial to emphasize that these quizzes are for learning, not assessment, to maintain a low-pressure environment. 

To maximize the effectiveness of retrieval practice, it's important to incorporate spacing and interleaving. This means revisiting topics at increasing intervals over time and mixing related concepts rather than focusing on one at a time. Providing feedback after retrieval activities is also crucial, as it helps correct misconceptions and reinforces correct information. The key is to make retrieval practice a regular, low-stakes part of the learning process, explaining its purpose to students to increase their engagement and the overall effectiveness of the technique. 

Use an Assessment Program for Retrieval Practice

Study Island, our assessment and test prep program, is built around the idea of “retrieval practice,” providing over 600,000 unique practice questions to help students retain the information they’ve learned. Each lesson is followed by a quiz testing the material the student just studied and providing instant feedback if a student chooses the wrong answer.

Not only is Study Island for Home’s structure optimal for retaining information, but a Marzano verified study showed that just 30 minutes per week of sustained practice using online programs results in significant academic improvements. 

Our own tests have shown that Study Island for Home users show significant improvement in the content studied after only weeks of sustained practice. Thoughtful, deliberate practice, utilizing the practice tests within Study Island for Home, results in significant improvement. This proves that “practice makes perfect.”

Retrieval Practice Testing Makes Studying a Breeze

It’s time to look beyond the negative associations with testing. Sustained practice and regular retrieval practice exercises (i.e., practice tests) over a long period do result in big gains. Study Island for Home is an excellent way to provide those experiences for your child and help them excel towards their academic goals. 

With a curriculum spanning grades K-12 and tailored to your state standards, Study Island can help your child catch up or get ahead. The program’s detailed parent dashboard gives you the insight you need to provide your child with meaningful support, along with the option to offer customized rewards for completing assignments. 

Learn more about Study Island or contact us today.