A concise introduction to the retrieval practice learning strategy, including an overview, classroom context, and alignment with educational standards and formative assessment best practices.
Retrieval practice is a targeted learning strategy that asks students to actively recall information from memory—using brief quizzes, low‑stakes checks, or guided questioning—to strengthen retention and improve transfer of learning. In the classroom context, teachers use short, frequent retrieval activities at the beginning, middle, or end of lessons across content areas and grade levels to diagnose misconceptions, inform next steps, and build students’ metacognitive awareness; it pairs well with spaced review and interleaving and fits within routine formative assessment cycles. This approach aligns with standards and evidence‑based instructional guidance that emphasize mastery through repeated, purposeful practice and ongoing checks for understanding (for example, the Common Core’s focus on demonstrating and applying learning and state frameworks that require formative assessment), and it produces stronger, more durable learning when tied to clear learning objectives and timely feedback.