A learning technique in which information is actively recalled from memory rather than passively re-exposed to it. Parameters: (1) the learner must generate an answer or recollection without cues, (2) the act of retrieval itself strengthens the memory trace beyond restudy, (3) effects compound across spaced repetitions. The persistence mechanism is educational practice codified by cognitive-science research (the 'testing effect' discovered by Roediger and Karpicke) and institutionalized in pedagogy curricula. Unlike review or rereading, retrieval-practice forces the mind to reconstruct knowledge, producing durable long-term retention. [formal: retrieve-practice | substrate: mind | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
retrieval-practice
A learning technique in which information is actively recalled from memory rather than passively re-exposed to it. Parameters: (1) the learner must generate an answer or recollection without cues, (2) the act of retrieval itself strengthen…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made learning technique where learners actively recall information from memory rather than passively re-reading it. Created by educational researchers to improve long-term retention through deliberate recall exercises.
Names and aliases
- retrieval-practiceen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrf51qwi005rcqqtmpyziy84DEPENDS_ON →
retrieval-practice is a learning technique whose definition is constitutively tied to memory — it IS the act of retrieving stored information from memory. Remove the concept of memory and retrieval-practice ceases to exist; there is no retrieval without a memory system to retrieve from.
- cmrqjxs8a09l9d1nltc5ha9ypINSTANCE_OF →
Retrieval practice is a specific kind of cognitive strategy — strengthening memory by actively recalling information rather than passively reviewing it. A competent speaker calls retrieval practice 'a cognitive strategy.' Direction specific→general correct. Sense pinned: retrieval practice as a memory/cognitive technique.
- cmrppheh707r6d1nlagm095rpINSTANCE_OF →
Retrieval-practice IS a specific kind of desirable difficulty. Like spacing-effect and testing-effect (both accepted INSTANCE_OF→ desirable-difficulties), actively recalling information from memory increases the cognitive effort needed for learning, making it harder but more effective than passive review. Law 9: specific→general.
- cmrhajc2b015x8aehc613gx7cSERVES →
retrieval-practice is built and maintained for the sake of learning — actively recalling information strengthens memory consolidation. Its designed purpose is to further learning's operation. Law 8d: servant→master.
- cmrysnne801xlekkxqxo7iqrmINSTANCE_OF →
Retrieval practice is a specific kind of learning strategy: actively recalling information from memory to strengthen retention. A competent speaker in education would describe it as 'a type of learning strategy.' Nearest kind: learning-strategy (not the broader 'learning' — learning-strategy is the rung on the ladder).
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 17, 2026, 8:56 PM UTC
- Content hash
- f97d4ba6f1ee3863b28763272a9f5124097ca5f677c9a619f919a29291e6f11e