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Retrieval practice structures

Explaining it once more feels useful, but memory grows from the opposite: retrieving it yourself, without looking. Retrieval practice beats re-reading and summarising for durable learning. These structures build retrieval into the design: one answer per turn, flashcards in pairs, a quiz on the move. The learner reads the result — that's what makes it practice, not a test.

15 structures in this theme

Stand Up & Sit Down
Participants respond to statements by standing (agree) or staying seated (disagree).
Everyone joins in
2–4 min5.04.8
Taking Turns
Work in pairs or small groups. Take turns giving one answer to the question.
Materials in the basic kitEveryone joins inCooperative learning
2–4 · 3–5 min
On time
Everyone gets a timed turn to speak about a topic — choose the group size and grouping while playing.
Materials in the basic kitEveryone joins in
2–4 · 3–5 min
Full steps after registration
Interview in Three Rounds
Interview each other in groups of 4: A↔B and C↔D simultaneously. Then switch and share with the class.
Materials in the basic kitEveryone joins inCooperative learning
7 min
Full steps after registration
Movement Quiz
Walk around the classroom, find a partner, ask your question and give feedback. Then change partners!
Own materials neededEveryone joins in
10–15 min
Numbered Minds
Everyone gets a number in the group. Write individually, discuss together — then the facilitator picks a number to explain the answer.
Materials in the basic kitEveryone joins inCooperative learning
2–6 · 3–5 min4.5
Full steps after registration
Think, Write & Share
Write individual ideas, compare them in your group and share the combined list with the class.
Materials in the basic kitEveryone joins inHigher-order
2–6 · 3–5 min5.0
Full steps after registration
Pair Coach
A solves exercises and thinks aloud. B watches and coaches. Then switch roles!
Everyone joins inHigher-orderCooperative learning
10–20 min5.0
Inner & Outer Circle
Two circles facing each other. Short conversation with your partner — then the outer circle rotates to a new partner.
Everyone joins inChanging groupsCooperative learning
10–15 min5.0
One by one
Independent work through a series of questions or tasks: the whole class on the same item, and a look back together at the end.
Everyone joins in
Alone · Pair · Group · 5–15 min
Full steps after registration
Shuffle & Pick
Groups of 4 with a card deck: A holds the cards in a fan, B draws one and reads the question out loud, C answers, D checks and coaches. After every rotation the roles move along.
Own materials neededMaterials in the basic kitEveryone joins in
3 min
Full steps after registration
Flashcards
Participants create question cards and practise in pairs by asking and answering each other's questions.
Own materials neededMaterials in the basic kitEveryone joins in
7–10 min
Full steps after registration
Read and Ask
In pairs: A reads a passage aloud, B listens without reading along. Then A asks one question about the text; B answers and A checks in the text — right: a compliment, wrong: A points to the place. The next passage is read by B.
Own materials neededEveryone joins in
2 min5.0
Full steps after registration
Four Corners
Participants choose a corner that matches their answer to a statement. They move, exchange thoughts — and can change corners if persuaded.
Materials in the basic kitEveryone joins in
10–20 min
Full steps after registration
Knowledge Quiz
A question on the screen; every team confers and writes its answer on the whiteboard sheet. All boards up at once, then the answer — and a point for every team that had it. The scoreboard on the screen keeps count.
Materials in the basic kit
1–2 min
Full steps after registration

More collections

All structures →Five-minute structures Short structures (up to 10 minutes)Structures for speaking skills Structures for listening skills Structures for reading skills Structures with writing Learning in motion: structures with movement Ice-breakers for class and team Energisers for class and team