Which preparation strategy enhances recall of key concepts for tests?

The strategy of active recall and spaced repetition is widely recognized for enhancing retention and recall of key concepts. Active recall involves actively retrieving information from memory during study sessions, rather than passively reviewing material. This could include practices like self-quizzing or teaching the material to someone else, which forces the brain to engage with the content more deeply.

Spaced repetition complements active recall by systematically spacing out review sessions over time, which has been shown to strengthen the memory trace. This method takes advantage of the brain's ability to better remember material that is revisited at increasing intervals, leading to long-term retention of information. Together, these techniques not only improve recall for tests but also foster a deeper understanding of the subject material, making it easier to apply knowledge in various contexts.

In contrast, relying solely on lectures, rereading textbooks without interaction, or listening to audio material only typically involves more passive forms of studying that are less effective for cementing knowledge in long-term memory. These methods do not engage the learner actively, leading to less effective retention of key concepts.