Unlocking Learning: How to Use Retrieval Practice To Improve Understanding for All Students

In this conversation, our guests discuss how retrieval practice can help all students learn, including those with ADHD and autism. For many teachers, this may challenge the assumption that retrieval practice only works for some learners. Instead, the discussion shows how, when used thoughtfully, retrieval practice can support diverse learning needs and help students build confidence, understanding, and long-term retention. Follow on TwitteR: | @smorrisey | @effortfuleduktr | @bamradionetwork | @jonHarper70bd @SciInTheMaking Blogs: Brain – Book – Buddy Reverse Engineering the Multiple Choice Question 5 Reasons I Begin My Class With Retrieval Practice Most Days Retrieval Is Communication. Blake Harvard is an AP Psychology teacher at a public high school in Alabama. He is in his 20th year of teaching. He is very interested in reading research and applying findings from cognitive psychology in the classroom to improve instruction and learning. Blake is the author of a new book: Do I have Your Attention: Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning He is also the author of The Effortful Educator. A popular blog with over one million hits. Sean Morrisey is a 5th-grade teacher at Pinehurst Elementary School, located just outside of Buffalo, NY. He brings over 25 years of experience as an educator. Before becoming a classroom teacher, Sean worked as a school psychologist, a role that shaped his understanding of how children learn. For the past 18 years, he has taught 1st, 4th, and 5th grade, focusing on building strong foundations in literacy and language. Sean’s work in vocabulary instruction has been highlighted on numerous literacy podcasts and featured in science of reading resources, including The Literacy 50 and Know Better, Do Better: Comprehension. His passion lies in integrating vocabulary seamlessly across the school day, helping students connect words to meaning in authentic and engaging ways. Sean is currently writing his own curriculum called the Word Mapping Project: Linking Sound, Spelling, and Meaning for Word Mastery. Marcie Samayoa is a 10th-year high school chemistry teacher that shares evidence-informed teaching strategies through her blog, Scientists in the Making. She connects cognitive science principles to classroom practices, inspiring both educators and students to deepen their understanding of science. Blog: Substack: scientistsinthemaking.substack.com

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Unlocking Learning: How to Use Retrieval Practice To Improve Understanding for All Students is an episode from Teachers Aid by BAM Radio Network.

This episode is 18:56 long.

This episode was published on Dec 28, 2025.

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