Student-led Recaps and Retrieval Practice: A Simple Classroom Activity Emphasizing Effective Learning Strategies.

Area of Science:

• STEM Education
• Pedagogical Innovation

Background:

• Effective undergraduate learning in STEM requires innovative teaching methods.
• Active learning strategies are crucial for student engagement and knowledge retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and assess a student-led classroom technique, recap and retrieval practice (R&RP).
• To evaluate R&RP's impact on undergraduate learning and student engagement in STEM courses.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative implementation of R&RP by two instructors across three upper-level STEM courses.
• R&RP sessions involved student teams preparing and delivering reviews of prior content using active retrieval practice.
• Integration of evidence-based learning practices such as concrete examples, dual coding, elaboration, interleaving, and spaced practice.

Main Results:

• R&RP sessions were well-received by undergraduate students, who reported that the strategy fostered their learning.
• Instructors found R&RP effective for encouraging and assessing class participation, emphasizing student voices.
• Collaborative deployment allowed for observation of pedagogical impact across varied settings and enhanced professional development.

Conclusions:

• Recap and retrieval practice (R&RP) is a successful active learning strategy for STEM education.
• R&RP promotes student engagement, participation, and deeper learning in undergraduate courses.
• Collaborative implementation of pedagogical strategies benefits both student learning and educator professional development.