Testing effect

Flashcards are an application of the testing effect. Here, flashcard software Anki is used to review a mathematical formula through active recall. First, only the question is displayed. Then the answer is displayed too, for verification.

The testing effect (also known as retrieval practice, active recall, practice testing, or test-enhanced learning)[1][2][3] suggests long-term memory is increased when part of the learning period is devoted to retrieving information from memory.[4] It is different from the more general practice effect, defined in the APA Dictionary of Psychology as "any change or improvement that results from practice or repetition of task items or activities."[5]

Cognitive psychologists are working with educators to look at how to take advantage of tests—not as an assessment tool, but as a teaching tool [6] since testing prior knowledge is more beneficial for learning when compared to only reading or passively studying material (even more so when the test is more challenging for memory).[7]

  1. ^ Roediger, H. L.; Butler, A. C. (2011). "The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention" (PDF). Trends in Cognitive Sciences. 15 (1): 20–27. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2010.09.003. hdl:10818/24277. PMID 20951630. S2CID 11014168. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-12-15. Retrieved 2015-08-19.
  2. ^ Dunlosky, J.; Rawson, K. A.; Marsh, E. J.; Nathan, M. J.; Willingham, D. T. (2013). "Improving students' learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology". Psychological Science in the Public Interest. 14 (1): 4–58. doi:10.1177/1529100612453266. PMID 26173288. S2CID 220053697.
  3. ^ "Remember!". Retrieval Practice: A Powerful Strategy to Improve Learning. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
  4. ^ E. Bruce Goldstein (2010-06-21). Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research and Everyday Experience. Cengage Learning. p. 231. ISBN 978-1-133-00912-2.
  5. ^ "Practice effect". APA Dictionary of Psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. n.d. Retrieved 2021-12-04.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  6. ^ Bae, Christine L.; Therriault, David J.; Redifer, Jenni L. (2018). "Investigating the testing effect: Retrieval as a characteristic of effective study strategies". Learning and Instruction. 60: 206–214. doi:10.1016/j.learninstruc.2017.12.008. ISSN 0959-4752. S2CID 149067724.
  7. ^ "The Testing Effect". Revunote. 9 December 2014.