So, the course is HUGE, and somehow you need to remember everything. All those facts, arguments, philosophers. Quotes…
How do you do it? The answer: Active Recall.
What is Active Recall?
Active recall involves retrieving information from your memory in order to reinforce and improve learning. In other words, forcing yourself to remember something makes remembering it easier next time.
To do active recall, you might use flashcards, self-tests, quizzes, or practice questions. These techniques require you to actively engage with the material and retrieve information. This means it will be easier next time to recall the information. The more you do it, the easier the retrieval gets.
Active Recall Techniques
Whatever technique you use, the key is to repeat it again and again, at slowly increasing intervals. The more you repeat it, the better you will know the material.
Make your mind to recall information
Repeat until you can do it flawlessly
Do again and again at increasing intervals
Flashcards
Check
Read a sentence of the text
Cover
Cover up that sentence of the text
Speak
Say that sentence of the text
Check
Check you said it right
Repeat
If you got it right, add the next sentence in
If you got it wrong, do that sentence again
Quizzes
Repeat
Take online quizzes until you achieve 100% score
Online quizzes
Why Active Recall?
Why choose Active Recall in the first place? It’s hard, it takes effort. But it’s immensely effective.
Passive Recall is ineffective
You could just re-read your notes, right? Go over the textbook one more time?
This is called passive learning, and the word “passive” should give you a massive clue as to your brain’s energy levels. It’s not engaged. So, it’s not learning.
Active recall, on the other hand, is repeated and intentional retrieval of information from memory. It is more effective in retention and recall than simply re-reading or reviewing notes, precisely because it engages your brain.
The benefits of Active Recall
Active recall revision is beneficial for long-term retention and recall as it strengthens the neural connections in the brain and makes the information easier to retrieve in the future. It is also an effective way to identify areas of weakness and focus on areas that may require further review.
By practicing active recall at steadily increased intervals, you will encourage your long-term memory to become engaged. This means, in other words, you will be able to recall everything you need when sitting the exam.
The Science of Active Recall
Active recall is based on the principle of the testing effect, which states that testing oneself on material improves retention more than simply studying it. When we retrieve information from memory, we reinforce the connections between neurons in the brain, making it easier to recall that information again later.
Hippocampal neurons are known to play a crucial role in active recall. Hippocampal neurons are involved in the formation, consolidation, and retrieval of memories. During active recall, these neurons fire in response to cues or triggers that are associated with a specific memory. This firing of neurons leads to the retrieval and recall of the memory. In addition to hippocampal neurons, other regions of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, are also involved in active recall. The prefrontal cortex is involved in processing and organizing information, while the amygdala is involved in processing emotional aspects of memories. Together, these neurons work to ensure that memories are retrieved and recalled accurately and efficiently.
Use Active Recall in all your A-level RS learning.
Auto-marked quizzes are a staple in the Cogito Membership package!
