Why active recall is an effective study strategy for learners preparing for examinations

Therefore, this makes active-recall study strategy to be akin to retrieval practice study strategy. Or testing effect study strategy. More so, when making references to benefits of testing. It is also is self-testing study strategy. More so, when learners embark on testing themselves independently. Although the terms seem to be closely related, they may not be used interchangeably. For retrieval practice is the broader psychological process. Whereas active-recall is using the process as a study strategy. 

Ideally, study strategy does not have a single proponent. For it developed from in-depth research in experiential psychology, which examines how people learn, remember and retrieve information. There are venerable scholars improved it. For example, Hermann Ebbingaus, a German Psychologist conducted systematic experiments on memory. Therefore, he is commonly associated with The Forgetting Curve, The Spacing Effect and The Experimental Study of Memory and Forgetting. Then, Arthur I. Gates did serious research on Role of Repetition and Recitation in Learning. Recitation involves trying to reproduce or explain material learnt oft without continuously making reference to the original text: Closely related to the active-recall study strategy. 

Afterwards, Henry L. Roediger III and Jeffrey D. Karpicke also improved the study strategy in their great paper titled Test-Enhanced Learning: Taking Memory Tests Improves Long-Term Retention. Their research focused more on relationship between repeated study and practise of retrieval. They discovered that repeated study or increasing contact hours with knowledge leads to peak performance in tests served soon after learning. Whereas retrieval practise leads to better retention when testing is done some time later. Therefore, the best study strategy is not the one that makes information feel familiar during revision. But it is the one that assists students to remember the information later. 

Somewhat, diligent students can use the following 7 techniques to practise active-recall study strategy. One, use flashcards to write questions on one side, and answers on the other side. Two, engage in self-testing by answering questions without looking at notes. Three, focusing on brain-dumping by writing everything they can remember about a topic. Four, questioning by turning headings and subheadings into questions. Five, summarisation from memory by closing a book and explaining the main points. Six, spaced-revision, which is testing oneself repeatedly over increasing intervals. Seven, teaching others or peer teaching, which is explaining a particular point to a peer without reading notes. This is related to the Feynman Study Strategy. 

Moreover, the central principle of active-recall study strategy is, do not just expose yourself to information. Instead, practise retrieving it from wonderful wells of memory. Meaning, reading and reviewing are useful approaches in understanding new material of information. But retrieving information helps learners determine whether they can remember and use what they have studied. 

Consequently, the first application of this study strategy is in independent learning: Enabling learners to study effectively with strong self-drive and initiative, without constant supervision. It encourages active participation in the learning process. Then, it also promotes responsibility and self-directed learning. It is also the best study strategy for learning languages taught in schools – English, Kiswahili, French, German, Arabic and Chinese Mandarin. For it helps learners remember new vocabular hence building rich word banks. So, they can remember words while speaking or writing. It helps learners remember grammatical rules. The study strategy supports learning of a new language through regular practice. 

Aptly, the application of active-recall study strategy is through self-testing or assessment where after reading, learners attempt questions. Or try short-answer tests. This helps the learners to test their understanding without assistance. They also point-out their academic strengths and weaknesses. They also manage to know new topics of study. The study strategy strengthens ability of learners to retrieve information from memory. It reduces forgetfulness. More so, when learners focus more on regular revision or revising. More importantly, is the retention of information for future use. 

Then, students can apply the study strategy to prepare to sit and write exams. Through it, students can remember important facts, concepts, as well as definitions. They can also identify areas requiring more revision, or re-visiting. More importantly, the study strategy improves confidence of learners when poised to face examinations. Withall, they learn definitions and key terminologies needed in exams. The study strategy assists students in remembering scientific terms, formulas, dates and vocabularies. So, the study strategy encourages accurate recall.