Classroom-based programs of retrieval practice reduce middle schooland high school students' test anxiety

When retrieval practice is applied in classroom settings, do K-12 students experience changes in testanxiety? To answer this question frequently asked by educators, we surveyed 1408 middle school andhigh school students about their study strategy preferences and their reactions to a classroom-basedprogram of retrieval practice. For classes in which retrieval practice occurred, 92% of students reportedthat retrieval practice helped them learn and 72% reported that retrieval practice made them less nervousfor unit tests and exams. This study is the first to examine the relationship between retrieval practiceand classroom test anxiety, and self-reported study strategy use in pre-college students. In light of ourresults, we encourage K-12 teachers to use retrieval practice in their classrooms to reduce test anxietyand improve learning.