Product reviews for Test-Enhanced Learning

Kristian’s writing is underpinned by a staggering amount of research which he has drawn from a rich variety of sources and skilfully synthesised into a coherent and compelling exposition of test-enhanced learning against the backdrop of human cognitive architecture. 

Test-Enhanced Learning is illuminating, informative, applicable and actionable for teachers in all aspects of their job. Terminology, theories and concepts are clarified with concise explanations and examples. Readability and utility are enhanced with key takeaways and a case study at the end of each chapter. The signposts to one seminal paper per subtopic testify to Kristian’s consideration for the time-poor teacher striving to be evidence informed. Refreshingly balanced discussion throughout protects against lethal mutations; Kristian does not shy away from conducting his negative controls! 

The image problem of testing is tackled head on, and I challenge anyone after reading not to be convinced that the primary role of testing is formative; testing is learning. 

To my mind we are educating Schrödinger's learners – students are simultaneously alike and unique in the way that they learn (even though the former is sadly often dismissed), owing to a shared physiology and cognitive architecture and uniqueness of experiences, circumstances and nuances of cognitive capacity. This book elucidates the beauty of test-enhanced learning as, when adaptive, it caters for both the aforementioned qualities. But more importantly, regardless of circumstance, it can level the playing field by giving the greatest learning gift of all – independence. 

Mitigating the desirable difficulties of testing, motivation is the golden thread running through the book; vital yet impossible to spontaneously or forcibly generate. Instead, it emerges along the learning journey only when preceded by success. Success leads to belief in the process, motivation emerges, engendering commitment from which achievement will follow, building confidence. And confident learners will not only reap individual benefits, they will enrich the classroom.