Research has repeatedly shown the benefits of both dual
coding and retrieval practise in the success of students in assessments. Dual
coding involves presenting information in two formats. This is a tool that is
used in education by teachers on a regular basis - mind mapping, timelines and
graphical representation are all forms of dual coding.
In most exams, students
are expected to retrieve information from memory. Retrieval practise involves
recalling to-be-remembered information from memory and is most referred to as ‘self-testing’.
Using digital learning tools, your child can practise both
these methods in an enjoyable and time efficient manner, independently or with
a study buddy. Resulting in more confidence and increased grades in
their assessments.
The power of
OneNote as a revision tool cannot be
underestimated. From students being able to rewatch teacher’s examples using
the replay option to effective use of templates, students’ revision can really
be enhanced. This video shows how students
can access the whiteboard of teachers if they use OneNote - and in the case of
a teacher not using it, a student may ask a teacher if it is an option. This
means that students can practise along with a teacher’s example while revising
content.
The age-old saying practise makes perfect is extremely
relevant to many aspects of the Irish curriculum. While we are moving towards
skill acquisition and more independent learning, there is still plenty of room
for practising methods in many subjects.
Many students struggle with elements
of Maths and the inbuilt Maths tool in Microsoft OneNote allows students to
practise equations, test themselves and see solutions should they make a
mistake. Students have limitless examples to work through. The video below will show the power of the Maths tool for self-testing.
Another
extremely effective app is
Quizlet which helps students
create digital flashcards for revision and complete many recall activities such
as
matching, multiple choice style quizzes and true or false questions.
Students can create their own or access a vast library of already curated
topics. This can be used across all subject areas. In the image below, you can see a sample
flashcard. On the flip side of the flashcard students can check the definition.
This can be done after they practise and correct themselves if needed.
Coggle is a super app that allows students to create mind
maps that incorporate imagery - dual coding at its best. Students can represent
information with words and an image which supports better knowledge
acquisition. This is a brilliant alternative for those who prefer to use typed
text as opposed to their own handwriting. Here you can see a mind map of the
solar system created on Coggle.
Another effective study method that can incorporate both
dual coding and retrieval practise is the use of timelines.
These can be a
series of dates and events but also a sequence of events such as the Water Cycle
in Geography or the key moments in a novel or play in English.
For example, buncee is an app that allows for the creation of interactive timelines that
can include imagery, videos and text.
This can be useful for summarising but also for self-testing and
retrieving the material.
Using self-designed templates for retrieval practise is a
great way for students to assess what they know. The template below is a handy way to see what you know and where to go. By creating templates students
will have consistency with their study activities. Storing them in their
OneNote folders allows students to continually refer to their notes and track
their progress.
You can see from the above template it is used in three
different, very effective ways.
The first template is summarising, with
examples BIMDAS in Maths, the second is using exam questions to fill the
template on content required on Cells and finally, the third is summary of
German Vocabulary associated with the topic.
In the final example, the
student included audio of themselves pronouncing the words.
The Immersive Reader is a phenomenal tool that is incorporated into a vast array of Microsoft applications. The Immersive Reader
incorporates many elements of dual coding and provides students, of all
abilities the opportunity to have content read aloud, translated and much more.The video below demonstrates the use of
the Immersive Reader and how it could be used to support learning when a
teacher isn’t present during periods of revision at home.
Studying does not
have to be individual working by themselves. Students can collaborate with
their friends and work together to build on their knowledge when using
templates like those discussed. They can collaborate remotely using apps like
Microsoft Whiteboard.
With a bit of variety and clever revision
techniques representing information in two forms and through self testing,
students can increase the likelihood of being successful in recalling
information required for assessments.
If you would like to watch live demos of how some of the apps mentioned above are used, you can watch our webinar on ‘Effective Study Tools and Skills for Students Webinar’.
