According to recent results published in the journal Science, using memory retrieval as a learning technique may be an excellent method to improve meaningful science learning.
Researchers from Purdue University asked 200 students to study science texts, one group using information retrieval practice and the second elaborative studying with concept maps, after which several retention tests were conducted.
The results showed that those students who had used retrieval pratice were able to learn more effectively than those who had used elaborative studying. Memory retrieval seemed to be particularly helpful for meaningful conceptual learning about science as the tests showed that it enabled the students to understand concepts and implicit facts that had not been stated in the text they had learned.
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