Active Recall & How To Do It

Growing up our teachers and parents have imparted learning techniques to us, said to be the most effective, such as re-reading, note making, and summarizing. However, research conducted by professors Dunlosky, Herbert F. Spritzer, Andrew C. Butler, Karpicke & Blunt brought a paradigm shift to our ingrained belief. Their studies show that a study technique called active recall is more advantageous than any of the techniques listed above.

Now what exactly is active recalling?

Active recall, like the name suggests, is recalling facts from your brain. For example, instead of simply reading a passage, and answering the questions such as “When Was Russia’s ‘Red October’ Revolution?” or “Why did the pilgrims come to America?,” it helps you recall the topic and review the answers. It is very efficient in paving your way to long term memory.

How can one implement the active recall technique?

1. Flashcards

Flashcards bear information on both sides— questions on one side and answers on the other. A study at Dartmouth college says that flashcards strengthen your long-term memory. They have been proven to increase long-term memory. You can create them based on the topic you learned. You can also create them digitally using apps like Quizlet .

2. Textbook questions

Answering the questions in the textbook will help you learn the topics that you did not understand, or further your understanding of topics you have learned!

3. Practice tests

As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Do multiple practice questions or tests and review your answers at the end. You can also use Kahoot!, which is a game based learning app that can be accessed via the web or the app. Not only can you learn about new topics, but you can also have fun doing so! Keep setting short quizzes throughout your revision and ace your tests.

4. Group discussions

A discussion with friends will help you understand topics with perfection. You can clarify each other’s doubts, give tips to each other, share resources and gain immense knowledge. It also beats procrastination, builds up your confidence, and enhances your speaking and listening skills.

5. Teaching others

“While we teach, we learn,” said the Roman philosopher Seneca. We are most likely to understand a topic better when we can explain it to others. There is evidence that teaching others helps you retain 90% of the topic.

You can also become a volunteer tutor. Not only will this help you learn better, but you can also do a good deed in society and earn volunteer hours for college applications. You can check out Just For You Tutoring to become a volunteer tutor. It is online-based so it is pretty flexible too!

6. Note making with the book closed

After a lecture, instead of looking at your textbooks and noting points down, close your book and write what you remember. Afterward, go back and add the points you have missed or forgotten.

7. Writing questions in-class

Rather than taking notes during a lecture, write down questions, then try to answer them after the lecture is over. This way you can look back and review the topics that you could not answer well.

8. Mind maps

Mind maps, also known as spider webs, help you understand complex topics better. It is easier to look at a mind map and recollect the information rather than studying the whole notes.

In conclusion, I would recommend the active recall method to all the students. Though it is a great technique to use on its own, combined with techniques like spaced repetition and forgetting curve makes it too good to not use. Include active recalling into your daily routine and reap its benefits!

Sources :

Karpicke, J. D., & Blunt, J. R. (2011). Retrieval practice produces more learning

than elaborative studying with concept mapping. Science, 331(6018), 772-775. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1199327

Butler, A. C. (2010). Repeated testing produces superior transfer of learning relative to repeated studying. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 36(5), 1118. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019902

Edited by Ally Chan.

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Geethika Nandigam is currently in her 12th grade at Delhi Public School, Vijayawada, India. She likes to read books, binge-watch tv shows and play badminton. She would love to pursue something related to data science in the future.