Jumpstart the school year with this simple retrieval practice
/By Pooja K. Agarwal, Ph.D.
I start the school year with retrieval practice as soon as students walk in the door. It's how I end the school year, too. Quick, simple, powerful. How do you jumpstart learning? Comment below!
Back to school? Jumpstart with retrieval practice
On the very first day of class, my students start with retrieval practice. Even when they walk in the door, a sheet of paper is waiting for them on each desk. I ask two questions:
What are five words that come to mind when you think about psychology?
What is psychology? Write a description in your own words.
First, for introductions, we go around and everyone quickly shares their name, their "noun" (like accordion; see Chapter 8 in Powerful Teaching and click here for more details), and just one of the five words about psychology they wrote down. Bonus: Students are less shy to share with the class because it's literally written down in front of them.
Second, I have students think-pair-share their five words and descriptions about psychology. Do they notice any similarities or differences?
Third, I collect students' worksheets before class ends. No grading. I simply keep them. Until the last day of school.
During our last class together, I give students a new worksheet with the same two questions (some students even remember this activity from 15 weeks ago). Finally, I hand back their worksheets from the first day of class. Students love comparing their initial reactions with their final reflections.
Student response on May 28, 2019
Student Response on August 13, 2019
Here's why this is powerful retrieval practice:
On the first day, students retrieve and reflect on what they already know
On the last day, students retrieve and space what they know
No grading and very little prep
Flexible for grade levels and content areas (replace "psychology" with the theme of your course)
Adaptable with tech tools, apps, Google Forms, Canvas, etc.
Want even more retrieval on the first day of class? Use Brain Dumps, Two Things, and Retrieval Warm Ups. Don't wait – jumpstart learning on Day 1.
