Why Retrieval Practice?
Retrieval practice—pulling information out of students' heads rather than putting it in—is one of the most robust findings in cognitive science.
5 Low-Prep Strategies
1. The "Brain Dump"
Give students a topic (e.g., "Holidays") and 2 minutes to write down every word they know in the target language.
2. Cops and Robbers
- Phase 1 (Cops): Students write what they know in blue pen.
- Phase 2 (Robbers): Students move around the room and "steal" ideas from others, adding them in green pen.
3. Last Lesson, Last Week, Last Month
A simple grid starter:
- 1 question from last lesson.
- 1 question from last week.
- 1 question from last month.
4. Translation Tennis
In pairs, Student A says a word in English, Student B translates to Target Language. Rally back and forth.
5. The "Forbidden Word"
Describe a word in the target language without saying the word itself (like Taboo). Great for circumlocution skills.
