Retrieval practice–or answering practice questions–can dramatically enhance learning compared to more passive study methods like rereading. But what if study guide questions or practice exams aren’t available? Teachers and professors often suggest students should write their own questions and quiz themselves to prepare for exams. But does this method actually improve learning? To test this question, Drs. Sarah J. Myers, Hannah Hausman, and Matthew G. Rhodes had participants read informational texts, then review the material by answering experimenter-provided questions, writing and answering their own questions, or rereading the material. Contrary to predictions, the researchers found that creating and answering one’s own questions did not improve, and sometimes impaired learning, compared to answering provided review questions or rereading the texts. Although practice testing is an effective learning strategy, we encourage instructors and material developers to provide high-quality review questions for students.
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