Exploring a different side of knowledge retrieval and its implications for assessment, this research may interest policy workers and professionals with responsibilities around assessment.
Retrieval-based learning: active retrieval promotes meaningful learning
Synopsis
Karpicke argues that although practicing information retrieval is integral to meaningful learning, retrieval is usually confined to merely assessment as a means of testing prior learning.
Outlining a retrieval-based learning perspective based on contextual knowledge, and an acknowledgement that every time a pupil retrieves knowledge that knowledge is changed, as retrieving knowledge improves their ability to retrieve it again in the future, Karpicke puts forward a case for retrieval learning that is different from simply rote practice.
Karpicke’s research suggests that testing pupils, if done properly, is an important part of the learning process. Retrieval is the key to promoting learning, and active retrieval has powerful effects on long-term learning.