Improve Memory with Practice Tests

Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 While preparing for exams, students generally study, read, and cram as much information about a subject as quickly as possible. However, not much time is generally given to taking practice tests. While they may seem like lost time, practice tests can be very beneficial in preparing for the real thing.

A recent study conducted by Kalif Vaughn, a psychology graduate from Kent State University, and Katherine Rawson, associate professor in Kent State’s Department of Psychology, found that with retrieval practice, such as practice tests, memory is enhanced and preparation for an exam becomes slightly easier. Katherine Rawson states, “Everything we know includes memory retention; cue memory helps recall specific targets, and associative memory shows the relationship between things, such as word pairing.”

According to these two researchers from Kent State University, a more effective strategy when taking a practice test is to develop keywords that connect the information. Using keywords helps the brain recall the information needed for a particular test, or at a particular time. Repeating the information over and over, using the personally selected keywords is an effective way of committing the information to memory.

“Taking practice tests – particularly ones that involve attempting to recall something from memory – can drastically increase the likelihood that you’ll be able to remember that information again later,” notes Rawson.

Vaughn stresses, “It isn’t just testing, but successful testing – getting the right answers – that makes the difference in memory performance later on. We know that repeated retrieval is good for memory, and testing is a useful tool to improve memory.”

Preparing for a test can be difficult for students when they don’t know where to begin. When students learn to make memory hooks with information needed for a test, they are better able to understand the material and feel more confident during test time. With Tutoring Club, students learn to study better, improving their test-taking abilities while sharpening their memory. Tutoring Club can help build the foundation for your children’s future success.

“One way to help ensure that students’ test scores represent their true achievement levels is to make sure students are well prepared,” states Chad Schwartz of Tutoring Club. “Practice tests are a great way to jumpstart children’s memories. Tutoring Club offers a School Tools Program that is individually adapted to your child’s needs. They learn to make memory hooks, along with their own study guides, improving their academic skills.”

Students’ test scores show significant signs of improvement when engaging in practice tests. Although most people assume tests are designed specifically as a way to evaluate learning, research has shown that testing not only advances learning, but also improves memory.

For further information, contact:
Chad Schwartz
Tutoring Club
(702) 588-5288
Email: CSchwartz@TutoringClub.com

	Home \| About \| Press Room \| Franchise Opportunities \| FAQs \| Blog
	Call 1-888-To-Tutor—enroll today!