Part 5: Putting It All Together (Creating Your Retrieval Practice Routine)
Now that we’ve explored the basics of retrieval practice—what it is, why it works, and how to handle challenges—it’s time to design your own routine. Think of this final section as the step-by-step guide that brings everything together, helping you create a sustainable and fun way to practice.
1. Designing a Personal Plan
Pick One Subject to Start With
Are you struggling in math? Or maybe history is where you need help? Choose just one subject to focus on when you begin. This keeps things simple and less overwhelming.
Set a Schedule
For example, if you learn new material in class on Monday, dedicate 15 minutes on Tuesday afternoon to recall what you studied.
Some students find it helpful to do a quick “recall session” at the end of each day. You can adjust depending on your workload.
Be Flexible and Adapt
If you notice that after-school sessions aren’t working (maybe you’re too tired), try practicing in the morning instead.
If one method (like flashcards) isn’t sticking, experiment with another (like brain dumps or short quizzes).
The key is to keep experimenting until you find the right balance.
Quick Tip:
Start small. Pick one approach—maybe flashcards—and dedicate just a few minutes each day. From there, you can add more strategies or time.
2. Tracking Your Progress
Keep a Simple Log
Write down the date, the subject, and what you tried to recall. For example, “March 2: Biology—Cell Structure.”
Note how much you remembered correctly and where you got stuck.
Watch for Improvements
Over time, you’ll likely see your scores or recall ability increase. This can be super motivating!
If you don’t see improvement right away, don’t panic—sometimes your brain needs a little more time to adjust (Brown, Roediger III, & McDaniel, 2014).
Why Track Progress?
According to research, self-monitoring your study habits can help you see what’s working and where you need to make changes (Dunlosky, Rawson, Marsh, Nathan, & Willingham, 2013). It also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you see your progress improve.
3. Making It Fun
Friendly Competition
Challenge a friend who’s learning the same material. See who can recall the most vocabulary words or math formulas in a set time.
Studying together can also help you learn from each other’s mistakes.
Rewards System
After a successful retrieval session—where you gave your best effort—treat yourself to something small but enjoyable. This could be a snack, a quick game break, or even a five-minute chat with a friend.
The reward doesn’t have to be big. It’s just a reminder that you’re making progress and putting in the work.
Example:
If you love music, promise yourself you’ll listen to your favorite song after you finish a thorough retrieval session. This creates a positive association with studying.
Key Takeaway
Retrieval practice works best when it’s a regular part of your day or week. Experiment with different times, formats, and rewards until you find a routine that clicks. Once you do, you’ll likely notice stronger recall, better test scores, and a sense of accomplishment in your studies. Keep practicing, stay flexible, and watch your learning skills grow!
References (APA Style)
Brown, P. C., Roediger III, 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.
Now that you have all the pieces—what retrieval practice is, how it works, ways to do it, and how to handle challenges—go ahead and craft your own study routine. Good luck, and happy learning!
