Guide For Effective Learning
How to Study and Why
Retrieval Practice
Retrieval practice is the process of recalling concepts, facts, or events from memory. Memory retrieval strengthens the memory and decreases forgetfulness. The neural pathways in the brain that make up a body of learning get strong every time the memory is successfully retrieved and practiced. Flash cards and a simple quiz after reading or hearing a lecture are prime examples of retrieval practice. Retrieval practice works because every time you successfully recall information, you are strengthening those retrieval routes. Quizzing yourself provides you the ability to assess what you learned, and areas that you are still weak in. This avoids fake illusions of mastering the material by finding errors and correcting them. Restudying something if you fail to retrieve it from memory helps you learn it better as opposed to not trying to recall it in the first place.