Learning seems like a simple process. The information goes in (encoding), the learner attempts to commit information to memory (storage), and then the learner tries to recall the lesson (access). Even though the ability to recall and apply the knowledge is critical, teachers spend the majority of class time focused on getting the information in. During the edWebinar, “Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning,” Pooja K. Agarwal, Ph.D., Cognitive Scientist and Founder of RetrievalPractice.org and Patrice M. Bain, Ed.S., Educational Specialist, Veteran Teacher, and Author discussed their research into the benefits of retrieval practice and emphasizing the third step of the learning equation. When educators help students learn how to access their knowledge in low-stakes environments, the presenters said, they help students improve their long-term educational recall and performance.
