Effective Free Recall Techniques for Language Learning

Free or active recall is one of the simplest and most effective ways of studying. You can use it for language learning, learning anatomy, learning history - anytime you want to remember information in the long-term. But many students are either unaware of free recall or don't know how to do it very well.

In this video, I demonstrate free recall and explain a little bit about why it works.

00:00 Introduction
00:29 A demonstration of free recall.
2:07 Round two.
3:14 Recommended intervals.
4:00 Why does free recall work?
5:33 Troubleshooting the technique.

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References:

On the superiority of free recall to elaboration, see:

Karpicke, J. D., & Blunt, J. R. (2011). Retrieval practice produces more learning than elaborative studying with concept mapping. Science, 331(6018), 772-775. https://mrbartonmaths.com/resourcesnew/8.%20Research/Memory%20and%20Revision/Retrieval%20practice%20more%20effective%20than%20studying.pdf

Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger III, H. L. (2008). The critical importance of retrieval for learning. science, 319(5865), 966-968.
http://psychnet.wustl.edu/memory/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Karpicke-Roediger-2008_Sci.pdf

Free recall is most effective only when the items have been "cleared" from your short term memory.

Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger III, H. L. (2007). Repeated retrieval during learning is the key to long-term retention. Journal of Memory and Language, 57(2), 151-162.
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.558.9401&rep=rep1&type=pdf

On optimal spacing intervals, see:
Carpenter, S. K, Cepeda, N. J., Rohrer, D., Kang, S. H. K., & Pashler, H. (2012). Using spacing to enhance diverse forms of learning: Review of recent research and implications for instruction. Educational Psychology Review, 24, 369-378.
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED536925.pdf

Free recall "enhances organizational processes". In other words, it reduces interferences and helps us to organize what we know.

Zaromb, F. M., & Roediger, H. L. (2010). The testing effect in free recall is associated with enhanced organizational processes. Memory & cognition, 38(8), 995-1008. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.3758/MC.38.8.995