Retrieval practice helps students internalize and utilize information, leading to better long-term retention and learning outcomes.
Spacing and interleaving enhance long-term retention, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Deep dives
The Importance of Research-Based Teaching Strategies
This podcast episode features a discussion with Patrice Bain, a teacher and co-author of the book Powerful Teaching. She shares her experience of partnering with cognitive scientists to conduct research in a real classroom setting. The main focus of the episode is on the use of research-based power tools, including retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving, and metacognition. These strategies are applicable to teaching any subject and at any level of education. The episode emphasizes the importance of incorporating these techniques to improve teaching and enhance student learning.
Retrieval Practice: A Key Power Tool for Learning
Retrieval practice is highlighted as one of the power tools discussed in the podcast. It refers to the process of actively recalling information from memory. Examples such as drawing the Apple logo without looking or recollecting a favorite coin demonstrate that simply seeing something does not necessarily mean we truly know it. The importance of incorporating retrieval practice in the classroom is emphasized, as it helps students truly internalize and utilize information, leading to better long-term retention and learning outcomes.
The Power of Spacing and Interleaving in Learning
The podcast episode also explores the power of spacing and interleaving in learning. Spacing refers to distributing practice over time, rather than cramming all at once. Interleaving, on the other hand, involves mixing different but related topics or problem types during practice. These techniques are shown to be more effective than blocking, where students focus on one topic at a time. Research studies indicate that spacing and interleaving enhance long-term retention and transfer of knowledge, enabling students to think more critically and solve problems more effectively.
Fostering Metacognition for Improved Learning
Metacognition, which involves thinking about one's own thinking, is another crucial power tool discussed in the podcast. It helps students understand what they know and what they still need to work on, facilitating effective learning and study strategies. Encouraging students to reflect on their learning process, identify areas of strength and weakness, and adjust their study techniques accordingly is highlighted as a valuable approach. Metacognition empowers students to take control of their learning and develop a growth mindset, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve better outcomes.
In Episode 13, Anna Stokke discusses teaching with Patrice Bain, who is a co-author of the book Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning. Patrice was one of the first K-12 teachers to partner with cognitive scientists so that research could be conducted in a classroom setting. This episode is all about using research-based power tools to transform teaching. They discuss retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving and metacognition. Along the way, they give practical teaching tips, with a special focus on math. The strategies discussed apply to teaching any field and to both K-12 and post-secondary. In addition to a familiarity with research-based teaching strategies, Patrice brings a wealth of practical teaching experience to the conversation. This episode is a must listen for anyone who is interested in evidence-informed teaching!
