Retrieval Practices that Make Learning "Sticky"

I read once that "memory is a residue of thought", the idea being that by thinking or working repeatedly with an idea or concept increases the chance that it will be remembered long into the future. As physics teachers, the challenge in making lasting memories rests on how we structure thinking within our classroom to make learning last beyond the classroom. In this interactive session you will work with a variety of retrieval practices such as ranking tasks, video clips, and concept questions that strengthens both conceptual and procedural knowledge of your students. These practices are easy to implement and do not require that you change your lesson plans to use them. The kids seem to enjoy them as well!

Glenn Wagner has been a physics and science teacher with the Upper Grand District School Board for 22 years. He is constantly trying new ways to increase student thinking and understanding through co-operative and collaborative teaching. And the kids really like it too! He is currently completing his Ph. D. at OISE in the area of knowledge building and collaborative on-line learning.