Chapter 2 - To Learn, Retrieve

Question 1

What cognitive activities involved in reflection can lead to stronger learning?

Answer 1

1. Retrieving knowledge and earlier training from memory.
2. Connecting to new experiences.
3. Visualizing and mentally rehearsing what you might do different next time.

Question 2

What are the steps to make retrieval most effective?

Answer 2

1. Retrieval must be repeated again and again.
2. Retrieval must be repeated in spaced out sessions.
3. The recall must not be mindless, and requires cognitive effort.

Question 3

How much more information do students retain after reading a passage when they are tested vs. when they are not tested?

Answer 3

50% More information

Question 4

What is better for retention: re-reading vs. recitation?

Answer 4

Recitation (Repeating aloud from memory) is better for retention.

Question 5

What kinds of retrieval practice is most important for long-term learning?

Answer 5

Tests that require the learner to supply the answer:

• Essay
• Short Answer
• Practice with flashcards

More cognitive effort -> Better retention results

Question 6

What are the retrieval principles for durable retention?

Answer 6

• Effortful retrieval - when the mind has to work it sticks better
• Delaying retrieval practice - is more potent than immediate retrieval practice
• Repeated retrieval - makes memory more durable but produces knowledge that can be retrieved more readily in more varied settings and applied to a wider variety of problems
• Self testing - ie) flash cards can greatly improve retrieval