Although we did not specifically examine mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of reading
quizzes, there are several possible explanations. First, reading quizzes may encourage a more
gradual approach to studying, counteracting students’ tendency to concentrate their studying
before examinations (Clump et al., 2004; Graham, 1999; Narloch et al., 2006). Second, regular
reading quizzes might benefit students by engaging them with the material more consistently
than does studying for exams. Third, frequent testing over smaller amounts of information can
also be beneficial to learning (Bangert-Drowns, Kulik, & Kulik, 1991).