What is Retrieval Practice?: A Guide for Teachers
Written by: Dr Chinedu Agwu
Reviewed by: Holly Barrow
Published
Contents
Are you looking for an evidence-based strategy that actually works in the classroom? Retrieval practice might just be your new favourite teaching technique. This simple but powerful approach has been transforming how students learn and remember information across subjects and age groups.
Key Takeaways
Retrieval practice strengthens memory by forcing students to recall information from memory
Research shows it's more effective than rereading or highlighting for long-term retention (opens in a new tab)
It works across all subjects and can be easily embedded into existing lessons
Little and often is better than lengthy sessions
Students learn best when they have to apply themselves and put in effort to recall what they’ve learned.
What Is Retrieval Practice?
Retrieval practice is any activity that requires students to bring information to mind from memory.
Instead of passively reviewing notes or listening to explanations, students actively recall what they've learned previously.
Think of memory like a muscle. Every time students retrieve information, they strengthen the neural pathways that store that knowledge. Here's a helpful analogy: imagine knowledge as a path through a forest. The more often you walk that path, the clearer and more permanent it becomes. Retrieval practice is like walking the path repeatedly.
Researchers Roediger and Karpicke found that testing yourself on what you’ve learned (opens in a new tab) helps you remember it for much longer than just reading or studying the same material over and over again.
Why Is Retrieval Practice Effective?
There is strong evidence that retrieval practice really helps students learn. A review in Frontiers in Education showed that it works well in many types of classrooms (opens in a new tab). When students try to remember information from memory, they have to rebuild what they know instead of just recognising it. This helps them remember it better.
Recent studies in STEM classes (opens in a new tab) also showed that using retrieval practice over time helps students learn in many different subjects. Unlike simple study methods such as rereading or highlighting, retrieval practice takes more effort — and that effort helps learning stick. This extra effort is actually what makes it so effective - no pain, no gain for the brain!
Examples of Retrieval Practice in the Classroom
Here are practical methods you can use immediately:
Low-stakes quizzes: Start lessons with 5 quick questions from previous topics
Brain dumps: Give students 3 minutes to write everything they remember about photosynthesis
Flashcards: Create class sets or encourage students to make their own
Exit tickets: End lessons with "Tell me three things you learned today"
Mini whiteboards: Quick recall questions with instant feedback
Subject-specific examples:
Maths: "Solve these quadratic equations without looking at your notes"
English: "In An Inspector calls, what is the main event that brings the characters together?"
Biology: "What type of reaction forms a glycosidic bond between two monosaccharides?”
Time-saving tips: Use online revisions notes and flashcards from Save my Exams, or simply ask students to write answers on paper.
For SEN/EAL students: Provide visual cues, allow drawing instead of writing, or use pair discussion before individual recall.
How Often Should Retrieval Practice Be Used?
The key is spacing and frequency rather than duration. Research supports the spacing effect (opens in a new tab)- distributing retrieval practice over time rather than massing it together.
The Australian Education Research Organisation suggests starting small and gradually spreading out retrieval practice over longer periods. This helps students remember information for the long term. A good way to do this is starting with daily practice, then extending to 2-3 days, then weekly or monthly intervals (opens in a new tab).
Daily starters: 5-10 minutes reviewing previous learning
This could be a quick quiz, short-answer questions, or a discussion. These regular check-ins help strengthen memory and make connections between lessons.
Weekly reviews: Broader recap of recent topics
At the end of the week, spend time revisiting the main ideas and skills covered over the past few days. This can include group activities, revision games, or short written reflections. Weekly reviews help students see how different topics link together and identify any areas they still find tricky.
Monthly assessments: Testing knowledge from earlier in the term
Once a month, test knowledge from earlier in the term. This could be through a short test, project, or class quiz. Revisiting older material after several weeks helps move learning into long-term memory and prepares students for future assessments.
Curriculum mapping suggestion: Plan which topics to revisit and when. Map out retrieval opportunities across your scheme of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does retrieval practice work for all subjects?
Yes! Research demonstrates effectiveness across STEM subjects (opens in a new tab), humanities, languages, and practical subjects. The key is adapting the format. Maths might use problem-solving, English could use quotation recall, and PE might involve describing techniques.
Even practical subjects benefit - asking students to recall safety procedures or explain processes from memory.
How do I know if my students are benefiting from it?
Look for these indicators:
Improved performance on subsequent tests
Better retention of information over time
Students making fewer basic errors
Increased confidence in recalling information
The "testing effect" research (opens in a new tab) shows that students who engage in retrieval practice perform better on later assessments compared to those who just reread material.
Can retrieval practice be used in group work or only individually?
Both! Individual retrieval is powerful, but group activities work too:
Think-pair-share recall activities
Team quiz competitions
Group brain dumps followed by comparison
Peer teaching (explaining concepts requires retrieval)
Group work can reduce anxiety while still providing retrieval benefits.
Final Thoughts
Retrieval practice is one of the most evidence-based strategies available to teachers.
It's simple to implement, works across subjects, and adapts to any teaching style or classroom setup. The best part? You don't need special resources or training - just a shift from "What should I tell them?" to "What should I ask them to recall?"
Start small with daily 5-minute quizzes or exit tickets. Build your confidence and watch your students' retention improve week by week.
References
Test-enhanced learning: taking memory tests improves long-term retention - PubMed (opens in a new tab)
The Critical Importance of Retrieval for Learning | Science (opens in a new tab)
Frontiers | Retrieval Practice in Classroom Settings: A Review of Applied Research (opens in a new tab)
Spaced practice and its role in supporting learning and retention - THE EDUCATION HUB (opens in a new tab)
Spacing and retrieval practice guide | Australian Education Research Organisation (opens in a new tab)
Test-enhanced learning: taking memory tests improves long-term retention - PubMed (opens in a new tab)
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