FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is an effective way for a teacher to improve student retention of new material?

1. Conducting quick quizzes at the end of each lesson

2. Using technology-based learning tools

3. Outlining the material at the beginning and reviewing it at the end

4. Assigning additional readings on the topic

The correct answer is: Outlining the material at the beginning and reviewing it at the end

Outlining the material at the beginning of a lesson and reviewing it at the end is an effective strategy for enhancing student retention. This approach leverages the principle of primacy and recency, which suggests that information presented at the beginning and the end of a learning session is more likely to be remembered. By providing a structured overview, students gain a framework for understanding the new material as they engage with it throughout the lesson. The closing review reinforces the key concepts and allows students to consolidate their learning, making connections between the introductory outline and the detailed content discussed during the lesson. This method also encourages active participation and reflection, both of which are known to contribute to better retention. Using technology-based learning tools may enhance engagement and provide varied learning modalities, but it does not guarantee improved retention of material as effectively as a structured outline and review strategy. Conducting quick quizzes, while beneficial for assessing understanding, might not directly enhance retention if not paired with a clear context of what students should focus on. Similarly, assigning additional readings can be helpful for deepening knowledge but might overwhelm students if not aligned with immediate instructional goals.