Retrieval Practice:
The act of remembering
The simple act of pulling information from memory—rather than putting it in—is what makes learning stick.
What is Retrieval Practice?
Retrieval practice means actively recalling information from memory, rather than passively reviewing it.
Instead of: Reading your notes again and again.
Do this: Close your notes and try to recall what you learned.
The act of retrieval itself—the mental effort of pulling information out—strengthens the memory far more than additional exposure ever could.
Retrieval vs. Re-Study
One week after studying, here's what students remember:
Types of Retrieval Practice
Different formats, all effective
Free Recall
Close your book and write everything you remember
Cued Recall
Answer short-answer questions
Recognition
Multiple choice questions
Flashcards
Look at prompt, recall answer
How Cruxly Enables Retrieval Practice
Most study apps make you do the hard work of creating questions before you can practice retrieval. That's backwards.
Cruxly generates questions automatically from your photos, so you can start practicing retrieval immediately. Multiple question types—multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-blank—give you varied retrieval practice.
Every time you answer a question in Cruxly, you're practicing retrieval. That's the whole point.
FAQ
Is retrieval practice the same as the testing effect?
They're closely related. The testing effect is the outcome (improved memory from testing). Retrieval practice is the action (actively recalling information). Scientists sometimes use them interchangeably.
Does it matter if I get the answer wrong?
No! Attempting retrieval helps even if you fail—as long as you get feedback. The effort of trying to recall is what strengthens the memory.
How is this different from just taking practice tests?
Retrieval practice is the core mechanism that makes practice tests work. But you can use retrieval practice without formal tests—through flashcards, self-quizzing, or just closing your book and recalling.
Can I use retrieval practice for conceptual learning?
Absolutely. While it's famous for memorization, research shows retrieval practice also improves understanding and the ability to apply knowledge to new problems.