In the first part of this series, we introduced retrieval practice as a powerful way to study: by actively recalling information, rather than simply rereading your notes. Now, let’s explore how you can put it into action in your daily routine. This post will give you simple methods, step-by-step instructions, tips on timing, and subject-specific examples—everything you need to start using retrieval practice right away.

1. Simple Methods

Flashcards

• How It Works: Write a question, term, or concept on one side of a card and the answer or explanation on the other side.

• What to Do: Look at the question side first, try to recall the answer in your head or out loud, then flip the card to check.

• Why It Helps: Flashcards give you quick tests of your memory, making it easy to spot what you need to review more.

Brain Dump

• How It Works: Finish reading or studying a topic, then put all your notes and books aside.

• What to Do: Write down everything you remember—key points, formulas, vocabulary, or main ideas—without checking your notes.

• Why It Helps: By forcing your brain to “dump” everything you recall, you actively strengthen those memory pathways.

2. Step-by-Step Instructions for a Retrieval Practice Session

1. Study a Small Chunk of Material

• Focus on one section or chapter at a time to avoid overwhelm.

2. Close Your Notes and Try to Recall

• Set aside your textbook, worksheets, or slides.

• Ask yourself, “What were the main points? What examples did I see?”

3. Write It Down or Say It Out Loud

• Note what you remember on paper or record yourself talking.

• This step helps you see (or hear) any gaps.

4. Check Your Notes

• Compare what you recalled with the actual material.

• Identify missed or incorrect information.

5. Repeat and Focus on Weak Areas

• Return to the parts you missed, and try recalling them again.

• Each attempt strengthens your memory (Brown, Roediger, & McDaniel, 2014).

Summary:
This process might feel challenging at first, but that’s a good sign. Struggling a bit to remember actually helps you learn (Dunlosky, Rawson, Marsh, Nathan, & Willingham, 2013).

3. When and How Often to Do It

• A Day After You Learn Something: Give your brain some time to digest new information, then try retrieving it the next day.

• A Few Days Later: Schedule another short session. This “spacing” between study times helps your memory last longer.

• A Week After That: Test yourself once again. Each review session helps solidify your knowledge.

Use Apps or Quizzes to Make It Fun

• There are plenty of flashcard apps (like Quizlet or Anki) that let you create your own decks. Many also include game-like elements to keep you motivated.

4. Examples for Different Subjects

• Math:

• Next time you tackle a math chapter, read the example problems. Then, close your book and solve a similar problem from memory.

• Check your work with the textbook once you’re done.

• Science:

• Study key terms or formulas. Then, challenge yourself to define them or draw the diagrams without looking.

• Compare your diagrams or definitions to the correct versions afterward.

• Languages:

• Translate short sentences into the target language without using a dictionary.

• Write down words or phrases you’re trying to learn, then try to recall their meanings or spellings. Check a dictionary or your notes to see if you got them right.

Key Takeaway

Retrieval practice is surprisingly simple:

1. Study a bit.

2. Put your notes away.

3. Quiz yourself.

4. See what you missed.

5. Repeat.

It works for any subject—math, science, languages, history—you name it. Although it may seem more difficult than rereading, that challenge is exactly why it works so well: your brain gets the “exercise” it needs to make memories stick (Brown et al., 2014; Dunlosky et al., 2013).

References (APA Style)

• Brown, P. C., Roediger, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning. Belknap Press.

• Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58.

Stay tuned for the next part of our series, where we’ll dive deeper into why retrieval practice is so effective and explore ways to overcome common hurdles you might face along the way. Remember: the more you actively recall, the stronger your memory becomes!