Retrieval practice is a learning technique where you pull information from your memory instead of just rereading materials. It helps strengthen your memory by actively recalling what you've learned.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024).
What is retrieval practice?
Retrieval practice is all about getting information out of your memory. Instead of just rereading notes or textbooks, you try to recall facts, concepts, or steps without looking. A common method is using flashcards. You guess the answer before checking it. But it goes beyond flashcards; any time you try to remember what you learned counts. Research shows that this active recall helps memory stick better than passive review.
Why it works better than rereading
Rereading can feel useful because the material seems familiar. But familiarity doesn’t mean you’ll remember it later. When you reread, you recognize info but don’t really strengthen your memory. Retrieval practice challenges your brain to rebuild the memory, making those connections stronger. Studies by Roediger and Karpicke show that students who use retrieval remember much more than those who just reread, even if the rereaders feel more confident.
Timing and spacing
Retrieval practice gets even better with spacing. Instead of practicing right after learning, wait a few days before your first recall session. Then, space out more sessions over weeks or months. This slight forgetting makes recalling harder, but more effective. Aim for 5-10 minutes of retrieval practice per subject every day, rather than cramming right before tests. This way, you build solid long-term memories.
The bottom line
Retrieval practice is one of the best-backed study strategies out there, and it’s easy to do. The key takeaway is that memory works differently than we think: struggling to remember actually builds stronger memories than just easy reviews. For homeschool families, swap out passive rereading for active recall. Use brain dumps, flashcards, verbal quizzes, and practice tests. If your child feels a little challenged while recalling, that means learning is happening.
