Types of retrieval for large cohorts.docx

Over a century of psychological and educational research has demonstrated that being tested, or actively retrieving information from memory, is a key part of the learning process. It helps to boost student learning and improves their grades. But what type of testing / retrieval practice is right for you as a teacher, for your subject, and for your cohort of students? This resource breaks down different types of retrieval practice, and highlights the pros and cons of each approach in a quick-to-view table. For example, if you want to provide feedback quickly, a multiple-choice question would be a good option. But if you want students to elaborate what they retrieve, a brain dump / free recall might be. For further elaboration on what retrieval practice is and why it works, see my WONKHE blog linked in the resource. I have also cited a meta-analysis which reviews all classroom research using testing.