Retrieval Practice & Standard Assessment

So... we are several weeks into first quarter and your students are starting to settle in.  You are teaching and they are raising their hands to ask & answer questions.  You have done some CFA work and you are collecting data toward mastering of reading and math strategies.  

Combining what we are seeing in class with their independent work is vital to understanding their Istation data and true understanding of the standards.  Using anecdotal notes is a simple and quick way to keep track of where your students are and where they need to go! Check out these FREE templates for note taking below!

Another great way to check in on learning is Retrieval Practice.  This strategy is a GREAT way to help you add to your anecdotal notes about individual students and cement learning.

It is so interesting to hear the reasons why cognitive psychologists support retrieval practice as a way to cement learning for students.  By using low stake quizzes to check in on students learning, you are able to force them to "RETRIEVE" new skills and  improved test scores.  The fact that the students were "quizzed" more allowed them to retain more information.

Check out this video all about Retrieval Practice!

Basically, if we spend more time asking students to retrieve information out of their brains and less time trying to put things in there... they will learn more.  

So,  how do we make this happen in the classroom?  Check out these super simple and easy strategies below!

Think Pair Share: Ask students to share what they have learned from a lesson with a partner.  

In a virtual world, students can simple share with the teacher or have them use a family member at home during independent time or try out this Think Pair Share in Jamboard!

Low Stakes Quizzes: Quizzes or check ins that don't count against their grades.  Use games like Quizzes, Kahoots, and Polls.  These all work well in a virtual world!  Add in a Google Form and you will have a spreadsheet of information! 

Brain Dumps or Storms: KWL, Can, Have, Are charts are GREAT ways to allow students to retrieve learning and then organize it.  The Teacher Toolkit has a great video on KWLs.  Check it out below!  I have seen several KWLs this week!  Such a powerful graphic organizer for nonfiction text!

Exit Tickets: A perfect way to do a QUICK informal check on learning.  Exit Tickets can be paper pencil or even verbal.  Check out Teach Thought for digital Exit Tickets!

Be sure to keep in mind, retrieval practice is NOT assessments!  Retrieval practice is ABOUT learning!  There is POWER in repetition! 

Know that when using retrieval practice you will need to do it in small bursts over time.  When students struggle to recall concepts, they are actually making stronger connections about the topic in their brain. 

Check out these retrieval practice questions and guide to get your students thinking and retrieving!  Thank you Retrieval Practice on TPT!