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Testing effect
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<p>The testing effect (also known as retrieval practice, active recall, practice testing, or test-enhanced learning) suggests <a href="/facts/Long-term_memory/NvxgXP2y">long-term memory</a> is increased when part of the <a href="/facts/Learning/lehEKRjC">learning</a> period is devoted to retrieving information from <a href="/facts/Memory/zucwQIEX">memory</a>. It is different from the more general <i><a href="/facts/Practice_effect/gqXva4fk">practice effect</a></i>, defined in the APA Dictionary of Psychology as "any change or improvement that results from practice or repetition of task items or activities." </p><p>Cognitive psychologists are working with educators to look at how to take advantage of tests—not as an assessment tool, but as a <a href="/facts/Education/WIwsQKF9">teaching</a> tool since testing prior knowledge is more beneficial for learning when compared to only reading or passively studying material (even more so when the test is more challenging for memory). </p>