Citation
Agarwal, Pooja K., and colleagues. Retrieval Practice Consistently Benefits Student Learning: a Systematic Review of Applied Research in Schools and Classrooms. Educational Psychology Review, 2021.
What it says
- This systematic review screened nearly
2000abstracts and coded50experiments with totaln = 5374. - The review reports that retrieval practice improved learning across a range of education levels, content areas, test delays, and formats.
- A majority of effect sizes were medium or large in magnitude.
Why it matters here
- It strengthens the case for including retrieval checks and reinforcement in the enablement program rather than relying on passive review.
- It supports short follow-up checks after workshops, office hours, and workflow adoption.
Limitations
- The review is education-focused rather than software-team-specific.
- Most studies were conducted in school or classroom settings rather than live workplace environments.
Project takeaways
- Use retrieval as a reinforcement mechanism.
- Do not rely on rereading or slide review as the main reinforcement path.