Many students spend hours studying but still struggle remember information during exams. Often, the issue isn’t the student’s effort or capability – it’s their study technique. One of the most powerful learning strategies is called active recall, a strategy that is frequently used by hundreds of tutors on Pocketnote. In this post, you’ll learn what active recall is, why it’s so effective and how you can implement strategies to boost your active recall ability.
What is active recall?
Active recall involves retrieving information from memory, without looking at notes or prompts.
Instead of reading a textbook or rewriting notes, students can test their recall ability by asking questions like:
- What were the key concepts in that chapter?
- How does this formula work?
- Can I explain this topic clearly?
Why Reading or Rewriting Notes Isn't Effective
Many students rely on passive study methods, such as:
- Highlighting textbooks
- Rereading notes
- Copying information repeatedly
These activities feel productive, but they require very little mental effort and are not an efficient use of study time. Active recall forces the brain to work harder – which is exactly why it improves memory and recall.
Simple Ways to Practice Active Recall
Students can easily include active recall strategies in their study routine. Try using the strategies below to boost your active recall, and increase your confidence going into exams.
Close the book and summarise
After reading a section, close the book and explain the key concepts.
Use flashcards
Write questions on one side and answers on the other.
Practice exam-style questions
Write 5 questions you might expect to see on an exam for this topic. Next, answer the questions under timed conditions. This simulates realistic assessment conditions, prompting you to recall the information under pressure.
Teach the topic to someone else
Explaining the concept to another person strengthens your own understanding of the topic. The more you practice doing this, the more your confidence in the subject will increase.
Combine Active Recall With Spaced Repetition
Active recall becomes even more powerful with spaced practice. Instead of studying a topic once, revisit it several times over days or weeks. This strengthens long-term memory and reduces the need for last-minute cramming (which is far less effective).
Why Tutors Use Active Recall
Tutoring sessions naturally involve active recall strategies because the student often need to:
- Explain their thinking
- Solve problems independently
- Apply knowledge to new situations and strategies
This results in deeper understanding of the topics and stronger exam performance.
Key Take-Aways
The difference between struggling students and confident learners is rarely ability. It’s often down to study strategies.
Tutors on Pocketnote use proven techniques, like active recall and spaced repetition, so that students learn how to study more efficiently, retain information for longer and increase their ability to recall information with confidence. Find a tutor who can help your child study smarter, not harder!