Evidence-Based Learning Practices
Not all teaching strategies are equally effective. Here are some research-backed practices that have been shown to significantly improve student learning and retention. These techniques—spaced practice, retrieval practice, and elaborative interrogation—work because they align with how the brain actually learns and remembers information.
Spaced Practice Implementation
- Review previous day’s learning in first 5 minutes
- Spiral previously taught concepts into new lessons
- Weekly review quizzes covering past month’s content
- Monthly cumulative assessments
Retrieval Practice Techniques
- Start class with “What do you remember about…?”
- Use brain dumps: students write everything they know about a topic
- Frequent low-stakes quizzes (not for grades)
- Teach students to create their own practice questions
Elaborative Interrogation
Train students to ask themselves:
- “Why does this make sense?”
- “How does this connect to what I already know?”
- “Can I explain this in my own words?”
- “What examples can I think of?”
