Implement computerized covert retrieval practice for visuospatial materials such as maps, faces, and diagrams instead of passive scrutiny¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q3 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The authors recommend replacing standard practice in which "a learner [tries] to memorize the map by scrutinizing it" with computer-prompted tests in which features are deleted and covertly recalled, since the procedure "can be implemented readily with computers". They suggest extending it to faces such as wanted posters and to graphs and diagrams in scientific and technical training, offering a nonverbal analogue to flash cards.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Software that can present the material and remove or occlude individual features for each retrieval prompt

Constraints¶

• Tested so far only with map learning at a 30-min retention interval; the authors note the advantage may be greater after longer intervals but this was not demonstrated here

Target Learners¶

• geography students
• military and transportation trainees
• learners of scientific and technical diagrams

Target Learning Goals¶

• memorizing spatial layouts and nonverbal representations

Claims¶

• Map drawing after 30 min is more accurate for maps learned through covert-retrieval tests than for maps learned through equal conventional study time [+W]
• The testing benefit for map learning holds under both quadrant-based and relative-position-based scoring, liberal and stringent [+W]
• Offering a monetary incentive in both test and study conditions strengthens the case that testing has a true learning advantage over motivated restudy [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Graphic Organizers for Retrieval Practice
• Interpolate metacognitive judgments or covert retrieval attempts during extended study sessions

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Shana K. Carpenter and Harold Pashler. (2007). Testing beyond words: Using tests to enhance visuospatial map learning. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 14 (3), 474-478. https://doi.org/10.3758/bf03194092