Retrieval practice is a powerful learning strategy that involves actively recalling information from memory, which enhances long-term retention and understanding. When applied to learning mathematics, retrieval practice can be organized into three key techniques: not looking at any sources, spacing, and interleaving.
Not Looking at Any Sources:
Purpose: The primary goal is to strengthen your ability to recall mathematical concepts and procedures without relying on external aids.
Implementation:
Begin by thoroughly studying a specific mathematical topic, such as a particular theorem, formula, or problem-solving technique.
After initial study, set aside all materials and attempt to reproduce the information from memory. This can involve solving related problems, explaining concepts in writing, or sketching diagrams without reference.
Identify areas of weakness or gaps in your understanding during the recall process and focus on reinforcing those specific aspects.
Spacing Technique:
Purpose: Spacing involves distributing study sessions over time, which helps reinforce learning and facilitates long-term retention.
Implementation:
Instead of cramming all your mathematical study into one session, schedule multiple shorter study sessions over an extended period.
Review previously learned material periodically, gradually increasing the time intervals between each review. For example, revisit a concept after a day, then a week, and subsequently at longer intervals.
By revisiting the material at spaced intervals, you strengthen the neural connections associated with the mathematical concepts, promoting better retention.
Interleaving Technique:
Purpose: Interleaving involves mixing different types of problems or topics during a study session, promoting better discrimination and application of learned concepts.
Implementation:
Instead of focusing exclusively on one type of problem or concept, alternate between different topics within the same mathematical domain during your study sessions.
For example, if you're studying calculus, intersperse problems related to derivatives, integrals, and limits rather than dedicating separate blocks of time to each.
Interleaving challenges your brain to discriminate between different types of problems and apply the appropriate techniques, leading to a deeper and more flexible understanding of the material.
By combining these retrieval practice techniques, you create a comprehensive and effective approach to learning mathematics in college. Not looking at any sources enhances your ability to recall information independently, spacing facilitates long-term retention, and interleaving promotes a more robust and flexible understanding of various mathematical concepts.
Additional Videos