Learn How to Study Using Retrieval Practice

This information is pulled from a post by Megan Smith and Yana Weinstein

Defining Retrieval Practice

It involves recreating something learned in the past by trying to recreate it from memory. It is important to do this strategy after time has passed. You want to pull the information from your memory so waiting until it is a little more difficult to do so, allows the strategy to work.

Practicing Retrieval

Practicing retrieval makes you more likely to remember the information later as well as making it easier to apply the information to new situations.

How to Practice Retrieval

• Use any practice tests or questions that are provided. Do them without looking at your books or notes.
• Make your own questions. Form a study group and share questions to make the process easier.

• Create flashcards. Don’t just check the answer but rely on your memory. This is a great way to engage a family member or friend.

• Grab a sheet of paper and write down everything you remember.

• If you use visual clues, try sketching the information from memory.

• Use concept maps or other graphic organizers to put the information in a structure that works for you.

 

After Retrieval Practice

Check your books and notes to make sure you retrieved the information correctly. This will help you understand where the gaps in your knowledge lay.

Note

This can be hard when you first begin using this strategy. It is also not a one and done. You will need to continue practicing.

 

 

 

 

Doing These 10 Things Increases Success in High School

This post summarizes information found in a post by Kate Sundquist that was published December 24, 2017. The article was called “Successful High School Students Do These 10 Things.”

Measuring success in high school may be difficult. Getting the most out of the high school experience and preparing for the future will be easier if you create the necessary growth mindset and work ethic necessary in life. Here are ten things you can do in high school to prepare you for success in life. 

 

1. Goal Setting

 

Setting short and long term goals is essential to success in the future. To set realistic goals, it is necessary to know your own work habits and what motivates you to get the job done. This means knowing yourself well enough to set realistic goals. Part of the process is to recognize what is a long term goal and what short term goals will need to be set and met to reach it. Additionally, finding others with the same goals and working as a group can help you reach your goals. 

2. Manage Your Time

 

In addition to setting goals, you will need to use your time wisely. It is important to use planners to keep track of tasks. Prioritizing your tasks is essential when creating your to-do lists. Make sure that you are developing your organizational skills and creating systems to manage your workload and time. 

3. Balance Your Schedule to Maximize Success.

 

A rigorous high school experience is important to getting into college. However, you want to make sure that you have a balance between rigorous courses and extracurricular activities. Both are important to make sure that your high school career is successful. 

4. Life Outside the Classroom

 

Academics are important but so is engaging in the school community. Get involved in organizations within the school. Learn about the problems facing your community. Be part of the solution.  

5. Take Part In Class

 

Recognize that completing your classwork is not always enough. Actively engaging in class discussions is an important part of a successful education. Being engaged in class allows students to remember material better. Developing questions and answers is an important aspect of learning. Finally, teachers notice when students are actively engaged in class. 

6. Self-care is Important

 

Make sure that you are taking care of yourself. Are you sleeping enough? Is your diet healthy? Are you giving yourself enough down time to decompress from the stress in your life? If you don’t, you may find that you’re performing at less than your potential. 

7. Explore What Makes You Happy

 

High school is an opportunity to explore opportunities. Try out for speech, debate, or drama. Join the bowling team. There are many offerings at the high school level that might become a life-long passion.  

8. Saying No is Okay

 

It is tempting to be at the center of everything happening at the high school level. Knowing how to be gracious in refusing a commitment is important to maintaining relationships and mental health.  

9. Develop Leadership Skills 

 

Being involved in many activities may seem like a good way to be noticed. However, it is more important to focus on a few activities and develop the necessary leadership skills. 

10. Developing a Network of Support 

 

Surround yourself with people who have your back. Having teachers and students who are willing to support you is important to success in high school. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

(Last updated Oct. 2024)