When you hear the word “retrieval,” what do you think of? Perhaps the recalling of information or a golden retriever fetching and returning a ball. With either example, you are on the right track. This article explores instructional moves with retrieval in mind.
Consider our students. Whether it is a task or an assessment, we expect, and even hope, that students can retrieve prior learning and apply it to whatever is before them. However, how often do we hear students say, “I don’t remember. I don’t know.” In a search for ways teachers can support students with retrieval, we came across the book Smart Teaching Stronger Learning: Practical Tips From 10 Cognitive Scientists, edited by Pooja K. Agarwal, Ph.D. This book offers some insight into classroom strategies.
Let’s Talk Retrieval, Interleaving, and Spaced Practice
Whether you are familiar with these terms or just want a refresher, consider these descriptions:
- Retrieval – active recall of information from memory
- Interleaving – mixing or switching of concepts during learning
- Spaced Practice – reviewing prior knowledge in small chunks spread out over time
Now, imagine intentionally planning for retrieval moments that incorporate interleaving and are spaced over time. What would that look like? What would your students be doing?
Instructional Moves and Strategies
In Smart Teaching Stronger Learning: Practical Tips From 10 Cognitive Scientists, each chapter is written by a different cognitive scientist who is also a teacher. The strategies they share are supported by classroom-based research.
Below are just some of the intentional teacher moves highlighted in the book. You may notice that these teacher actions are not new or novel. However, as more research has accumulated, these practices are worth another look.
| Instructional Move | Teacher Action | Student Action |
|---|---|---|
| Brain Dump | Present a concept | Record all they know without using notes, etc. |
| Examples and/or Drawings | Present a concept | Come up with an example and/or drawing that represents that concept |
| Questions Banks | Create a bank of questions from previous assessments on a variety of concepts you have covered and pose a question every so often | Respond to the question verbally or written-wise |
| Flashcards | Present cards around concepts, vocabulary, questions, drawings, diagrams, etc. | Orally work through the cards with a peer, small group, or whole class Research indicates that three correct retrievals on three different days is the goal. |
| Concept or Retrieval Maps | Provide concept(s) and models of varied mapping templates | Connect what they know using a map without using notes, etc. The author mentions having students record linking words explaining each connection. |
Conclusion
Why retrieval, interleaving, and spaced practice? Why implement one or two of these instructional moves? You might even be thinking that some students simply won’t try. As the teacher, you know your students and your classes. You understand what motivates each individual and what the group responds to as a whole. Use that superpower in connection with one of these actions. When you try an instructional move with retrieval in mind, you are asking students to take on the cognitive load, thereby strengthening long-term learning and improving transfer.
Need more? Check out the following on retrieval as well as Smart Teaching Stronger Learning: Practical Tips From 10 Cognitive Scientists, edited by Pooja K Agarwal, Ph.D.
Resources:
- 15 Quick (and Mighty) Retrieval Practices (Edutopia)
- 7 Retrieval Activities That Help Learning Stick (Edutopia)
Stay in touch
For the most up-to-date science news and information, visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter. We offer engaging workshops throughout the year, as well as special events, including conferences and other notable gatherings. See all our professional development or read more science articles on the ESC Region 13 blog.
Reach out to us anytime at Vejheh.Tavakoli@esc13txed.net (Secondary Science) or Carolyn.Beardsley@esc13txed.net (Elementary Science).
Carolyn Beardsley
Carolyn Beardsley is the Elementary Science Instructional Coach at ESC Region 13.
Add comment