Variable Retrieval (a new spin on an old idea)
We all know about spaced retrieval - forcing the brain to remember something after it has been studied.
Some of us know that the gaps between retrievals need to approximately double (thank you Ebbinghaus).
The new spin is this: we will learn more if we vary the context of the retrieval.
What is that in plain English?
If you first tested something in a multiple choice, now test it in a cloze, or a True/False, or a matching exercise, or with a one word answer, or with a mind map, or perhaps blurting.
Of course, this is an annoying discovery, because it can increase our workload. But, not to worry, AI can easily come to the rescue.
Example
I want my students to learn that Macbeth realises ambition is not enough to make him kill Duncan.
Macbeth realises “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th' other.” This means he will “fall” like a horse failing to jump a vault. But, if he had a different “spur” to “ambition”, he could succeed. This extra spur is Lady Macbeth, and it suggests that Macbeth turns to her because he knows in advance that she will persuade him to commit regicide and come up with a plan where they get away with it.
So, I am going to ask ChatGPT to help my students remember it.
Cloze Test: Macbeth's Ambition
Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks.
Macbeth realises, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my _______ but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th' other.”
The metaphor of the spur implies Macbeth feels unable to _______ himself to take action.
The phrase “vaulting ambition” compares Macbeth’s ambition to a _______ attempting to jump but failing.
Macbeth worries he will “fall” like a horse that cannot clear a _______.
Lady Macbeth serves as the extra _______ that Macbeth feels he needs to succeed.
Macbeth turns to Lady Macbeth because he knows she will _______ him to commit regicide.
Lady Macbeth is expected to come up with a _______ that ensures they get away with murder.
The term “regicide” refers to the act of killing a _______.
True or False Test: Macbeth's Ambition
Macbeth says, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th' other.”
Macbeth’s ambition is described as cautious and controlled.
The metaphor of “vaulting ambition” suggests that ambition can lead to failure if it overreaches.
Macbeth compares his ambition to a horse that successfully jumps a vault.
Lady Macbeth acts as the extra spur to Macbeth’s ambition.
Macbeth does not expect Lady Macbeth to persuade him to commit regicide.
Macbeth believes Lady Macbeth will help create a plan to ensure they escape punishment.
Regicide is the act of killing a king.
Gap Fill
Macbeth realises “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th' other.” This means he will “fall” like a horse failing to jump a (1) _______. But, if he had a different “spur” to (2) _______, he could succeed. This extra spur is Lady (3) _______, and it suggests that Macbeth turns to her because he knows in advance that she will (4) _______ him to commit (5) _______ and come up with a (6) _______ where they (7) _______ away with it.
What This Means for Revision
Don’t just learn quotes. Learn the analysis which goes with them.
You’ll learn it easily by varying the format of the retrieval.
You could remember the main ideas, quotes and vocabulary of whole essays that way - it would be a very quick way to get top marks.
Use ChatGPT to make the retrievals for you.
Then just double the gap for answering them - 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, next just before the exam (if you are starting today).