Retrieval - why to do it.

Over the last few decades, cognitive science has established that retrieval (recalling) of key information builds long term memories that are easy to access and upon which new knowledge can be built. Almost counterintuitively, this means that a long term retrieval routine is the fastest route to increased fluency with, understanding of, and ultimately, mastery of the knowledge required to ace National 5 Philosophy.

So. Either find someone that is willing to ask you questions, a quiet space or a pad of paper.

If you are working with a partner, have them ask you to define the keyword on one of your knowledge organisers. If you don't have a partner you can cover the definitions, choose a word or phrase, and try explaining it out loud or in writing. Then check your answer and repeat for another item on the list.

To help make the process as efficient as possible there is some further advice for students (and questioners!) below.

Try. Hard.

Whilst it's tempting to think 'yes I know that' and move on to the next question, the danger is that you don't ever retrieve the information, so you forget it, all the while thing you're doing great. Either write your answer or say it out loud, either to yourself or a partner.

Dig. Deep.

Retrieval does the most good in terms of your long term memory when you've almost forgotten the fine details (i.e. when it's hard!). If you're struggling to remember something, try hard. If you manage you'll remember it for a long time.

Persevere when it's hardest.

Retrieval practice is the best way to get things into your long term memory (where you can use them to think and answer questions). The catch is, it doesn't feel like it is at the start. You need to get a couple of weeks in before you notice it's working. Remember that the more you're struggling, the faster you are learning.

Get picky.

'Kind of right' isn't really good enough. Precise understanding allows you to do so much more, including solving problems and answering nasty exam questions. You should know the definitions on your knowledge organisers perfectly.

Mix up the order.

In the olden days people used to revise a unit. Move onto the next, and so on, assuming that 'I knew it a month ago' was the same as 'I know it now'. Don't make that mistake. The more you can jump about between different topics and units, the more fluent you will become.

Don't stop there.

Being able to recall definitions is all very well (and it might even get you a great marking in N5 or even Higher!) but it's not really what philosophy is all about! Once you can retrieve the key concepts, you need a real person to ask you harder questions about how thins hang together. I'll write more on this soon.

What do I actually do?! why not try...

Face to face retrieving.

This is great if you're lucky enough to have someone at home willing to help with you learning. Simple give them the knowledge organiser at ask them to quiz you on the terms. Remember they need to be PICKY.