2. Camp Teach and Learn – 2018 Dr. Samantha A. Deffler
Testing as Formative Assessment: Improving Memory Through Retrieval Practice
Camp Teach and Learn – 2018
Dr. Samantha A. Deffler

3. Summative Assessment
Test
Pop Quiz
Quiz
Exam

4. Retrieval Practice Information
Tests offer opportunity to practice retrieving information
Encoding
Retrieval
Information

5. Practice Testing Improves Learning
Practice testing = low- or no-stakes
“Desirable difficulty”

6. Practice Testing Improves Learning: An Example
Learning multiple English-Swahili word pairs
(e.g., boat  mashua)
Repeated study-test trials until 1 correct retrieval of word pair
After 1 correct retrieval:
ST - study and test on pair every trial
SNT - drop from study and continue to test
STN - drop from test but continue to study
SNTN - do not study or test further
Predict their own performance (on a test one week later)
Test one week later
Karpicke & Roediger, 2008

7. Final Test – 1 week after learning
Predicted Recall
Karpicke & Roediger, 2008
Fig 2: Proportion recalled on the final test 1 week after learning. Error bars represent standard errors of the mean

8. Optimal Conditions Distributed practice Not just the (same) facts
Transfer appropriate processing: Encoding conditions match retrieval conditions
What does this mean?
Examples?
**beware the course eval  explain value!
Butler, 2010

9. Discussion Questions
How might we incorporate retrieval practice into our courses?
How might students utilize retrieval practice?

10. More information?