The testing effect, also called the retrieval-practice effect, is the finding that actively retrieving information from memory, such as by taking a practice test, produces stronger and more durable long-term learning than an equivalent amount of time spent simply restudying the same material. The effect has been documented experimentally since the early twentieth century, but it was brought to prominence in education research through studies such as Henry Roediger and Jeffrey Karpicke's widely cited 2006 experiment, which found that students who took repeated practice tests on a passage recalled it far better a week later than students who reread the passage the same number of times, even though the rereading group had felt more confident. The finding has reshaped advice on effective study strategy, favoring self-testing and practice quizzing over passive rereading and highlighting.
Facts
Core ClaimBrought to prominence in education research by Henry Roediger and Jeffrey Karpicke's 2006 study: actively retrieving information from memory produces stronger, more durable long-term learning than rereading the same material. 1 FAQs
Does the testing effect mean students need more graded tests?
No. Retrieval practice is a learning strategy and not an assessment strategy.
No. Retrieval practice is described as a learning strategy and not an assessment strategy. The benefit comes from bringing information to mind, so low-stakes prompts work, such as asking students to write down everything they can remember from a previous lesson, or to retrieve two things they learned at the end of class, with no extra lesson preparation or grading.
Is using flashcards an example of the testing effect?
Yes. Flashcards put the testing effect into practice through active recall.
Yes. Flashcards are an application of the testing effect. A learner sees only the question first, tries to recall the answer from memory, and then checks it against the answer shown. That act of active recall is what the testing effect describes.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationTesting effect, Retrieval practice sectionQuote, Testing effect, Retrieval practice section
Retrieval strength (also known as recall accuracy) is typically higher for restudied words when tested immediately after practice, whereas tested words were higher as time moves on.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.