This review of the most effective learning strategies for pupils will interest teachers of all levels and abilities.
Strengthening the student toolbox: study strategies to boost learning
Synopsis
In this pamphlet Dunlosky examines the effectiveness of 10 different strategies aimed at supporting pupils’ learning, including self-testing distributed practice, practice testing, interleaved practice, elaborative interrogation, self-explanation, and keyword mnemonic.
He explains that while some strategies for embedding learning are believed to be effective, such as practice testing and distributed practice, others are found not to be. These ineffective techniques are some of the most common learning strategies used by pupils, including summarisation, highlighting and underlining, and rereading.
Along with an evaluation of the different techniques, Dunlosky provides tips for effective learning, such as how to give a low stakes tests at the beginning of classes, and encouraging pupils to develop a study planner.