We have reviewed 10 reasons why increased testing in educational
settings is beneficial to learning and memory, as a self-study strategy for
students or as a classroom tactic. The benefits can be indirect—students
study more and attend more fully if they expect a test – but we have
emphasized the direct effects of testing. Retrieval practice from testing
provides a potent boost to future retention. Retrieval practice provides a
relatively straightforward method of enhancing learning and retention in
educational settings. We end with our 10 benefits of testing in summary
form:
Benefit 1