18/06/2025
Study Like MIT Students Do!
Part 5: Retrieval Practice (aka the Testing Effect) 🗂️
Watching lectures isn’t enough. MIT courses integrate frequent low-stakes quizzes and self-testing across platforms like MITx, Canvas, and in-class clicker questions to actively strengthen learning. Furthermore, studies show testing oneself (retrieval practice) improves long-term retention and transfer more than re-reading or passive study.
🔍 How it works
✅Periodically recall information from memory without looking at your notes.
Examples: flashcards, practice quizzes, pop quizzes, or reflective journaling.
FREE resources:
1. Anki
🔁 Spaced repetition + active recall = a memory supertool.
Use shared decks or make your own flashcards.
🌐 https://apps.ankiweb.net
2. Quizlet
📚 Create, share, and study with flashcards and quizzes.
Has “Learn” mode and practice testing options.
🌐 https://quizlet.com
3. Brainscape
🎯 Flashcards with spaced repetition and confidence-based rating.
Great analytics and progress tracking.
🌐 https://www.brainscape.com
4. The Learning Scientists
📄 Printable practice questions, retrieval grids, templates, and posters.
All research-informed and perfect for educators and students.
🌐 https://www.learningscientists.org/downloadable-materials
5. Memorize.ai
📊 AI-based flashcards and testing with spaced repetition.
Still expanding, but great for science-heavy subjects.
🌐 https://memorize.ai
🤔 Does it actually work?
MIT physics courses with biweekly low-stakes quizzes saw significant gains in retention, far beyond typical review. Students using testing strategies outperform those using passive prep, even when concept-mapping is used. Science shows retrieval enhances both stored knowledge and neural differentiation, leading to lasting learning gains.
🧠 Moral of the study
Ditch endless re-reading. Use self-testing flashcards, pop quizzes, clickers, or write short essays from memory, this will reinforce and retain what you study.