The importance of quality and quantity: An investigation into the influence of accuracy and frequency of retrieval practice on learning

Abstract

There is a growing body of work on the application of cognitive learning principles to course design and instruction. Retrieval practice is one such principle. In this study, we investigated the application of retrieval practice into the course design of an online, asynchronous course. Specifically, we investigated whether the frequency and accuracy of students’ retrieval practice was predictive of their final course grade, a measure of their academic success in the course. Both students’ performance on the practice quizzes and the number of times they attempted these formative assessments were predictive of their final course grade. Our findings suggest that both the frequency and accuracy of retrieval practice attempts influences students’ ultimate achievement in the course. These findings have important implications for course design and instruction, specifically the importance of encouraging students to regularly engage in retrieval practice with high accuracy.