Quiz yourself while studying; testing effect

‘‘If you quiz yourself while you study . . . why do you do so?’’ (the testing effect)

Our basic laboratory studies suggested that students are not aware of the testing effect, leading us to predict that they may not practise retrieval while studying in real-world settings. The results of our survey support this prediction. The majority of students indicated that they repeatedly read their notes or textbook while studying.”

 “Basic research on memory has shown that spending extra time maintaining or holding items in memory does not by itself promote learning (Craik & Watkins, 1973) and students may spend large amounts of additional time studying despite no gain in later memory for the items, a phenomenon called ‘‘labour-in-vain’’ during learning (Nelson & Leonesio, 1988).”

 “ A clear practical implication is that instructors should inform students about the benefits of self-testing and explain why testing enhances “learning.” “Testing enhances learning not only if instructors give tests and quizzes in the classroom but also if students practise recall while they study…Repeated testing enhances learning more than repeated reading…”

 Excerpts from:  Karpicke, J. D., Butler, A. C. & Roediger III, H. L.(2009)  Metacognitive strategies in student learning: Do students practise retrieval when they study on their own? Memory,17:4, 471 — 479. Retrieved December 26, 2011, from http://duke.edu/~ab259/pubs/KarpickeButler&Roediger(2009).pdf     (prepared by Mary R. Noble, PhD)

See also: 

Slagter, H.A., Davidson, R.J. & Lutz, A. (2011). Mental training as a tool in the neuroscientific study of brain and cognitive plasticity. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 5(17). doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2011.00017. Retrieved 4/21/12, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3039118/?tool=pubmed#__sec15

Chiesa, A., Calati, R. & Serretti, A. (2011). Does mindfulness training improve cognitive abilities? A systematic review of neuropsychological findings. Clinical Psychological Review, 31(3), 449-64. Retrieved April 21, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21183265