The Early Career Framework states teachers should learn how to... Increase likelihood of material being retained, by increasing challenge with practice and retrieval as knowledge becomes more secure (e.g. by removing scaffolding, lengthening spacing or introducing interacting elements). How Pupils Learn (Standard 2 – Promote good progress).
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the role of teachers extends beyond the delivery of information; it encompasses the art of crafting learning experiences that not only impart knowledge but also ensure its enduring retention. This blog post explores the pivotal idea that teachers should master the skill of increasing the likelihood of material being retained by progressively challenging students with practice and retrieval as their knowledge becomes more secure. Rooted in academic references, we will delve into the transformative impact of this strategic approach on deepening understanding and fostering long-term retention.
The Significance of Progressive Challenge in Retrieval Practices
1. Cognitive Flexibility: Adapting to Mastery
Cognitive flexibility is crucial in the learning process, allowing students to adapt and apply their knowledge across varied contexts (Spiro et al., 1988). Introducing increasing challenges in retrieval practices as knowledge becomes more secure cultivates cognitive flexibility, ensuring that students can navigate complex scenarios with ease.
2. The Role of Desirable Difficulties
Desirable difficulties, as proposed by Bjork and Bjork (2011), are challenges that, despite making learning seem harder in the short term, enhance long-term retention. Introducing challenges in retrieval practices aligns with the concept of desirable difficulties, fostering a more robust and enduring understanding.
Strategies for Designing Progressive Retrieval Practices
1. Scaffolded Learning to Progressive Independence
Begin retrieval practices with scaffolding to support students as they grasp new concepts (Wood et al., 1976). As knowledge becomes more secure, progressively remove scaffolding, allowing students to engage in independent retrieval. This gradual transition fosters a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy.
2. Spaced Retrieval: Lengthening Intervals
Spaced retrieval involves revisiting information at increasing intervals over time (Cepeda et al., 2006). As knowledge becomes more secure, lengthen the intervals between retrieval practices. This challenges students to recall information from more distant memory traces, reinforcing long-term retention.
3. Interleaved Practice: Introducing Interacting Elements
Interleaved practice involves mixing different types of problems or concepts within a single session (Rohrer & Taylor, 2007). Introduce interacting elements or concepts in retrieval practices as knowledge becomes more secure. This challenges students to discern the appropriate strategy for each context, promoting a deeper and more flexible understanding.
4. Varied Contexts in Retrieval Tasks
Vary the context in retrieval tasks to promote generalization (Bjork & Bjork, 2011). As knowledge becomes more secure, design retrieval practices that incorporate elements from different topics or real-world scenarios. This challenges students to apply their knowledge across diverse situations, enhancing cognitive flexibility.
The Impact on Student Learning
1. Deepened Understanding and Application
Progressively challenging retrieval practices deepen understanding and application (Rohrer & Pashler, 2010). As students engage with more complex retrieval tasks, they move beyond mere memorization to a profound comprehension that allows them to apply their knowledge in novel and diverse situations.
2. Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Experiencing increasing challenges in retrieval practices cultivates resilience (Duckworth et al., 2007). Students learn to persevere and adapt, developing the resilience needed to tackle complex problems and overcome obstacles in their learning journey.
3. Optimized Cognitive Flexibility
Introducing challenges in retrieval practices optimizes cognitive flexibility (Spiro et al., 1988). Students become adept at adjusting their thinking to meet the demands of varying contexts, fostering a mental agility that is essential in the dynamic landscape of education and beyond.
4. Long-Term Retention Beyond Rote Memorization
The incorporation of progressive challenges in retrieval practices promotes long-term retention beyond rote memorization (Bjork & Bjork, 2011). By challenging students to actively retrieve information in diverse and evolving contexts, teachers create a learning environment that transcends temporary memorization, fostering enduring knowledge.
In the tapestry of education, the ability of teachers to design retrieval practices that progressively challenge students is transformative. By acknowledging the principles of cognitive flexibility and desirable difficulties, teachers become architects of learning experiences that go beyond surface-level understanding, cultivating a deep and lasting reservoir of knowledge.
As stewards of learning, teachers hold the key to not only what students learn but how well that knowledge endures and adapts over time. In the intentional design of retrieval practices with increasing challenges, lies the potential for an educational experience that fosters resilience, cognitive flexibility, and a lifelong love for learning.
References:
Bjork, R. A., & Bjork, E. L. (2011). Making things hard on yourself, but in a good way: Creating desirable difficulties to enhance learning. In M. A. Gernsbacher, R. W. Pew, L. M. Hough, & J. R. Pomerantz (Eds.), Psychology and the real world: Essays illustrating fundamental contributions to society (pp. 56–64). Worth Publishers.
Cepeda, N. J., Vul, E., Rohrer, D., Wixted, J. T., & Pashler, H. (2008). Spacing effects in learning: A temporal ridgeline of optimal retention. Psychological Science, 19(11), 1095-1102.
Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101.
Rohrer, D., & Pashler, H. (2010). Recent research on human learning challenges conventional instructional strategies. Educational Researcher, 39(5), 406-412.
Rohrer, D., & Taylor, K. (2007). The shuffling of mathematics problems improves learning. Instructional Science, 35(6), 481–498.
Spiro, R. J., Coulson, R. L., Feltovich, P. J., & Anderson, D. K. (1988). Cognitive flexibility theory: Advanced knowledge acquisition in ill-structured domains. In V. Patel (Ed.), Thinking and learning skills: Current research and open questions (pp. 375–399). L. Erlbaum Associates.
Wood, D., Bruner, J. S., & Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 17(2), 89-100.