Memory traces are strengthened when making an effort to retrieve information. This is why assessment-based learning – learning by answering questions, evaluating dilemmas, solving problems, and reviewing cases – is so effective. Its success is easy to explain using the ‘Testing Effect’.

The key idea behind the Testing Effect is that when we do a test, we usually retrieve information that we learned before. We engage in retrieval practice, so we are actively reconstructing and reinforcing the neural pathways associated with that information. As a result, this enhances long-term anchoring and retention, and the development of crucial skills.

At Drillster, we use the testing effect to our advantage, and use assessments as a learning method, instead of testing. Users learn by answering different kinds of questions and reviewing scenarios, real-life situations and dilemmas:

• to create a basic level in the run-up to training,
• to secure knowledge after training, or
• as a primary learning method for continuous learning.

The amount of effort that is required – combined with other proven learning techniques – makes for a greater learning effect than passive ways of learning: just reading, watching, or listening. Each answered question is followed by positive feedback with the correct information. Processing feedback immediately after each exercise has proven to enhance the learning effect, as people are then most receptive to it and remember it better.

Contact us to learn more, we’ll be happy to tell you more.

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Niels van Wijk

Email: niels@drillster.com
Phone: +31627597477