Retrieval Practice

The reason why students were less anxious for tests is that they were ready!

• Take a look at the child’s homework. Randomly pick 3-5 questions and simply ask them.
  • You have just helped your child retrieve!
• If your child is older and prefers independent study they can write their own questions, put them in a jar, and randomly picks a few of them to answer.
• The key is to retrieve the answer, not simply to read over the question.

• Always go through flashcards three times. This ensures going beyond guessing to knowing the correct answer.
• Always shuffle the deck; it is easy to become familiar with “what’s next”.
• The important thing is to try and retrieve the answer and not simply read the back of the card.

• While the child is studying, call for a quick “time out”.
• Set a timer and put all notes aside.

• Child writes or tells what has just been studied.

• This simple activity not only allows for retrieval, but it also has shown to help students’ organization of knowledge.

• Rather than ask, “How was your day?” rephrase to include retrieval.
  • Tell me Two Things you learned in science (or any subject) today.
  • Tell me a story that your teacher told today. What do you think were the two most interesting parts?