Camp Teach and Learn – 2018 Dr. Samantha A. Deffler Testing as Formative Assessment: Improving Memory Through Retrieval Practice Camp Teach and Learn – 2018 Dr. Samantha A. Deffler

Summative Assessment Test Pop Quiz Quiz Exam

Retrieval Practice Information Tests offer opportunity to practice retrieving information Encoding Retrieval Information

Practice Testing Improves Learning Practice testing = low- or no-stakes “Desirable difficulty”

Practice Testing Improves Learning: An Example Learning multiple English-Swahili word pairs (e.g., boat  mashua) Repeated study-test trials until 1 correct retrieval of word pair After 1 correct retrieval: ST - study and test on pair every trial SNT - drop from study and continue to test STN - drop from test but continue to study SNTN - do not study or test further Predict their own performance (on a test one week later) Test one week later Karpicke & Roediger, 2008

Final Test – 1 week after learning Predicted Recall Karpicke & Roediger, 2008 Fig 2: Proportion recalled on the final test 1 week after learning. Error bars represent standard errors of the mean

Optimal Conditions Distributed practice Not just the (same) facts Transfer appropriate processing: Encoding conditions match retrieval conditions What does this mean? Examples? **beware the course eval  explain value! Butler, 2010

Discussion Questions How might we incorporate retrieval practice into our courses? How might students utilize retrieval practice?

More information? sdeffler@ycp.edu