Evidence-based learning strategies are instructional approaches and study techniques proven through research to be highly effective in promoting student learning and retention. These methods are grounded in cognitive science and aim to optimize how the brain acquires, processes, and retains information.
These strategies often involve active engagement with the material, spaced repetition, and diverse approaches to understanding concepts. Many effective strategies emphasize building connections between new information and what learners already know, breaking down complex topics into manageable parts, and providing opportunities for learners to practice and receive feedback.
Core Evidence-Based Learning Strategies
Effective learning is rarely passive; it involves active engagement and strategic practice. Here are some key evidence-based strategies:
1. Retrieval Practice (Testing Effect)
This strategy involves actively recalling information from memory without looking at notes. It strengthens neural pathways and helps identify gaps in understanding.
- How it works: Instead of just re-reading, learners are encouraged to quiz themselves, use flashcards, or complete practice problems from memory.
- Practical insight: Lessons can begin with short reviews of previous learning to help students activate prior knowledge and consolidate memory. This could be a quick quiz, a brief discussion of last lesson's key points, or solving a problem related to previous content.
2. Spaced Practice (Distributed Practice)
Instead of cramming, this strategy involves distributing study sessions over time. This allows for repeated retrieval and consolidation of information, leading to better long-term retention.
- How it works: Studying a topic for shorter periods over several days or weeks, rather than one long session.
- Practical insight: Revisiting concepts covered weeks or months prior, integrating them into new learning, reinforces understanding and memory.
3. Interleaving
This involves mixing different topics or types of problems within a single study session, rather than focusing on one topic exclusively before moving to the next.
- How it works: If studying math, instead of doing 20 algebra problems, then 20 geometry problems, mix them up.
- Practical insight: This helps learners differentiate between concepts and choose the correct strategy for each problem, fostering deeper understanding.
4. Elaborative Interrogation & Self-Explanation
These strategies encourage learners to explain why concepts are true or how they relate to other ideas, fostering deeper processing and connections.
- How it works: When encountering new information, learners ask themselves "Why is this true?" or "How does this relate to what I already know?".
- Practical insight: Asking many questions and observing student responses is a powerful way to implement this. Questions allow students to connect new material with prior learning and elaborate on their understanding, revealing their thought processes and areas needing clarification.
5. Dual Coding
This strategy combines verbal and visual representations of information to enhance memory.
- How it works: Learners create diagrams, mind maps, or draw illustrations alongside written notes.
- Practical insight: Sketching a concept while explaining it aloud can reinforce understanding through multiple pathways.
6. Concrete Examples
Using specific examples helps learners grasp abstract concepts.
- How it works: Whenever a new theory or principle is introduced, it is paired with several clear, relevant examples.
- Practical insight: This makes complex information more accessible and relatable, aiding comprehension and application.
7. Feedback & Formative Assessment
Providing timely, specific feedback helps learners understand what they've done well and where they need to improve. Formative assessments are ongoing checks for understanding.
- How it works: After students practice material, instructors provide constructive feedback on their responses or work. This involves observing student responses to questions and using that information to guide further instruction.
- Practical insight: Regular quizzes, short assignments, or even quick checks for understanding during a lesson can serve as formative assessments, allowing for adjustments to teaching and learning.
8. Scaffolding & Chunking New Material
This involves breaking down new, complex material into smaller, more manageable parts and providing support that is gradually withdrawn as the learner becomes more proficient.
- How it works: Present new material in small amounts and assist students as they practice this material. For example, introducing a new skill step-by-step, modeling each step, then providing guided practice before independent work.
- Practical insight: This prevents cognitive overload and ensures learners build a solid foundation before tackling more advanced concepts.
9. Metacognition
This refers to "thinking about thinking" – learners' awareness and understanding of their own thought processes.
- How it works: Encouraging learners to plan their learning, monitor their understanding, and evaluate their learning strategies.
- Practical insight: Students reflecting on how they learned something, what strategies worked, and what they found challenging can significantly improve future learning.
Summary of Key Strategies
| Strategy | Description | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Retrieval Practice | Actively recalling information from memory. | Starting lessons with quick quizzes on prior topics; using flashcards; self-testing without notes. |
| Spaced Practice | Distributing learning sessions over time. | Reviewing material learned days or weeks ago; scheduling regular, short study sessions instead of cramming. |
| Interleaving | Mixing different topics or types of problems during study. | Practicing varied problem types from different units in a single session; alternating between different subjects in a study block. |
| Elaborative Interrogation | Explaining why a concept is true or how it relates to others. | Asking "Why?" or "How?" questions when studying; explaining concepts aloud to oneself or others. |
| Dual Coding | Combining verbal and visual information. | Creating diagrams, flowcharts, or sketches to represent concepts; using infographics or visual aids alongside text. |
| Concrete Examples | Using specific, tangible instances to illustrate abstract concepts. | Providing multiple examples for each new idea; relating abstract theories to real-world scenarios. |
| Feedback & Assessment | Providing information on performance to guide improvement; ongoing checks for understanding. | Regularly asking questions and observing student responses; giving specific, actionable feedback on assignments; using formative quizzes. |
| Scaffolding & Chunking | Breaking down material and providing temporary support. | Presenting new material in small amounts with guided practice; providing templates or step-by-step guides that are gradually removed. |
| Metacognition | Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes and learning. | Encouraging students to reflect on their learning process; prompting them to identify effective study methods; teaching problem-solving strategies. |
Practical Application of Evidence-Based Strategies
Implementing these strategies effectively requires a shift from passive reception to active engagement. Educators can design lessons that naturally incorporate these techniques, while learners can proactively adopt them in their study habits.
- For Educators: Design curricula that encourage spaced repetition, integrate retrieval practice through regular low-stakes quizzes, and use various question types to prompt elaborative thinking. Break down complex topics into smaller, manageable chunks and provide opportunities for guided practice.
- For Learners: Actively test yourself frequently, spread out your study sessions, mix up subjects when reviewing, and always try to explain new concepts in your own words or draw them out. Seek concrete examples and reflect on your learning process regularly.
By focusing on these evidence-based approaches, both teaching and learning become more efficient and effective, leading to deeper understanding and longer-lasting knowledge.
