In the ever-changing landscape of education, there exists a tool that's often overlooked yet holds transformative powers for learners – the art of self-testing.
Imagine yourself surrounded by textbooks and notes, preparing for an exam. All the proven study methods, tips, tricks and snazzy techniques are all in-play, but have you considered the immense benefits that frequent self-testing could bring to your learning journey?
Let's dive into this promising world of active recall and explore why it's not just a handy study technique but a master-key to unlocking a priceless treasure trove of knowledge.
To embark on this journey, we must first define self-testing and grasp its purpose in the learning process. For one, it's not about passively reviewing information but actively engaging with it.
The cognitive processes involved with self-testing are like a HIIT mental workout, vigorously conditioning the muscles of memory and comprehension.
It stands head and shoulders above traditional study methods by placing learners in the very driver's seat of their education, empowering them to take the wheel of their own learning journey.
So why is self-testing hailed as such a great memory booster?
When you actively retrieve information, it's like doing mental push-ups – it strengthens and charges the pathways to long-term memory. We’re not talking about mindlessly reviewing notes either; it's about the benefits of active recall over passive methods.
Your brain becomes a dynamic repository (rather than a static one), and self-testing is the key to unlocking and reinforcing that uber-rich repository of knowledge.
Self-testing however is more than just a pat on the back for what you know; it's an insightful spotlight on what you don't know or understand.
It's a potent diagnostic tool.
A tool that helps you pinpoint areas of weakness or gaps in your knowledge. Done intelligently, the pinpointing can have needle-like accuracy.
The feedback obtained then through self-testing is priceless – it cautiously guides your further study, enabling you to focus on challenging topics. It affords you a custom-fit approach to learning, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in your learning journey.
Self-testing is also an intriguing adventure into your metacognition – thinking about and understanding how you think and learn.
It enhances metacognitive skills, fostering self-reflection and self-assessment with brutal honesty. Through this phenomenon, self-testing becomes a catalyst for self-regulated learning habits and autonomy. You're not just absorbing information; you're becoming ‘the specialist architect’ of your own learning experience.
The further beauty of self-testing lies in its versatility. It's not confined to a solitary study corner; it can be incorporated across various educational settings.
Visualise it seamlessly woven into classroom learning or enhancing the experience of self-paced or online learning environments. The tangible neural benefits transcend the frustrating boundaries of traditional education, making self-testing a ‘racing-car engine’ for learners in all walks of life.
Now, enough talk about self-testing and let's get practical.
17 Suggestions on How you can make self-testing work for you:
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve through self-testing, whether it's mastering a subject, retaining information, or identifying areas for improvement.
Create flashcards or practice questions to make the process interactive.
Embrace spaced repetition – a technique that optimizes memory retention through strategically timed reviews.
Collaborate with peers or study groups for collaborative self-testing sessions.
Use quizzing apps like Kahoot that can infuse self-testing with the adrenalin pumping thrill of gaming.
Consistency is key; remember to make self-testing a regular and disciplined part of your routine. Create a Schedule perhaps where you Establish a regular self-testing routine that fits into your schedule.
Adapt your approach based on your individual learning style, ensuring that self-testing becomes a personalized journey.
Use Various Formats of Self-Tests: Incorporate different types of self-testing methods such as quizzes, practice exams, or verbal recitation to keep your study sessions engaging and effective.
Chunk Information: Break down the material into smaller, manageable chunks to facilitate easier recall during self-testing sessions.
Spaced Repetition: Review material at spaced intervals to reinforce memory retention. Utilize self-testing to recall information at increasing intervals over time.
Mix Subjects and Topics: Interleave different subjects or topics during self-testing sessions to enhance retention and prevent interference between similar concepts.
Identify Weak Areas: Use self-testing to pinpoint areas where you struggle or need further review. Focus on these weak areas to improve overall comprehension.
Review Mistakes: Analyse incorrect answers during self-testing to understand why you got them wrong. Address misconceptions or gaps in understanding to prevent future errors.
Teach Others: Teaching reinforces your own understanding and highlights areas where you need clarification.
Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice self-testing under conditions similar to actual exams, such as time limits and distractions. This helps simulate real-world testing scenarios and reduces test anxiety.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and progress during self-testing. Positive reinforcement can motivate continued effort and dedication.
Reflect and Adapt: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your self-testing strategies and make adjustments as needed. Adapt your approach based on what works best for you and your learning style.
Like any path taken, self-testing isn't without its challenges or pitfalls. Exam anxiety and performance pressure can prove stumbling blocks to our learning progress.
Choose to cultivate a growth mindset – embrace challenges as opportunities for growth instead of as signs that you’re somehow a failure and won’t ever get it right.
It will be one of the most life-changing decision you will ever make for yourself. Persevere through difficulties, and you'll find that the benefits of self-testing far outweigh the challenges.
Let's now pepper this exploration with a few real-life stories.
Take Sam, a college student navigating a stormy sea of information.
Through frequent self-testing however, they not only aced their exams but developed a visceral understanding of their subject.
Let’s also meet Alex, a diligent professional juggling work and study. By integrating self-testing into their routine, they discovered a newfound confidence in their abilities.
These examples illustrate the unimpeachable benefits of frequent and thorough self-testing, showcasing how individuals have successfully made it a cornerstone of their learning routine.
Recapping the journey we've traversed – from defining self-testing to exploring its cognitive intricacies, identifying knowledge gaps, and embracing practical strategies.
The call to action could not be any clearer: embrace self-testing as a powerful ‘learning hack’ like no other.
The mountain-high evidence has been in for years now; It's not just about memorizing for the assessable moment but building a rock-solid foundation for a lifetime of knowledge.
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You may want to also check out the following:
BOOKS:
Learning as a Generative Activity: (2020)
Eight Learning Strategies that Promote Understanding (see Ch 6: Learning by Self Testing) by Logan Fiorella, Richard E. Mayer
FURTHER RESOURCES:
The Science of Learning for Teachers & Students Available at: https://takinglearningseriously.com/ (Accessed: 20 February 2024).
VIDEO:
How "Self-Testing" Can Help You Learn Anything Faster with Jonathan Levi - Accelerated Learning Expert on YouTube (2024).
Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24I0yZgidOU
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Emanuel Perdis is a trauma-informed Anger Management therapist who administers therapeutic counselling for individuals as well as couples. His key specialties for counselling are Anger, Relationships, Trauma and Anxiety. All therapy is delivered online, via Zoom, and enquiries can be made through https://www.emanuelperdis.com/let-s-talk or on the phone via +61 412 288 081
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