Feedback boosts learning by providing an explanation after retrieval that indicates whether a student was correct or incorrect, which increases students’ metacognition or understanding of their own learning progress.
When we write about research and the science of learning, we usually write about learning in K-12. But retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving, and feedback are powerful in college (and beyond), too. Read and share our second Research Snapshot on research-based strategies in college STEM courses. Spoiler alert: They dramatically boost learning!
We know research can be intimidating. This week, we feature our first Research Snapshot, a quick rundown of one powerful strategy and the research to back it up: Metacognition Sheets. We've removed the jargon, replaced it with key takeaways, and added a new download, too. Share our Research Snapshot and empower others to discover the science of learning.
This week, check out a new strategy: Metacognition Line Up. Get students moving, retrieving, and reflecting, regardless of grade level or content area. Metacognition Line Up moves quickly and can be completed in less than five minutes per round!
We know feedback is good for learning. But what's best? In our new guide on students' application and transfer of knowledge, we also feature research-based recommendations on feedback strategies. Why? Because transfer is most successful when retrieval practice is followed by feedback. Read more for our quick no-grading feedback strategies.
We are thrilled to share our free downloadable guide on retrieval practice and student’s transfer of learning. Why? Because retrieval practice improves more than just memorization. Learn about the latest research and teaching strategies that boost transfer in the classroom.
Whether you teach at an elementary school or a medical school, you've probably heard of the instructional strategy, think-pair-share. Don’t skip the “think” step! Read on for research-based tips on incorporating retrieval, spacing, and interleaving to make think-pair-share an even more powerful strategy in your classroom.
We talk the talk. But can we walk the walk? As cognitive scientists, we love talking about our research. Particularly when it comes to learning, which is so integral to everything we do everyday. Cognitive science research is great. But how do researchers teach? This week, read articles from three cognitive scientists about how they teach using retrieval practice, spacing, and metacognition in their own classrooms.

Read about these simple, bite-sized strategies from Dr. Michelle Rivers to use what you’re already doing in the classroom and boost student learning even more. Dr. Rivers’s strategies take little or no prep, no extra grading, and very little time to implement, including questions du jour and name tents.