Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
The next time your child asks why we need tests and quizzes, explain testing is like eating veggies—he may not love it, but it’ll be good for him!
A new research published in this month’s Science magazine explains students not only learn from testing, they also improve their memory. Simply studying without follow-up testing doesn’t help students retain necessary information.
Science magazine’s October issue focuses on a new research that tested undergraduates on their studying, memorizing, and testing abilities. Students were given a list of Swahili words with English translations and asked to think of helpful ways to associate them. The students were then divided into two groups—one group was left alone to study without tests while the other group was told to study and given a series of tests.
At the end of the study, both groups were given a final test—the group that did better was the one given regular practice tests to help sharpen minds and memorization skills. Quizzing students regularly helped them spend more time trying to understand difficult concepts.
Researchers hope this information can provide students with helpful studying tips. So start encouraging kids to love (or at least tolerate) the benefits of studying!
Do you agree or disagree with this research?Add a Comment