What is active recall?
Active recall is a study technique where you retrieve information from memory — by testing yourself — instead of passively re-reading it. The effort of recall strengthens the memory, making it one of the most effective ways to learn.
Learn with EfikoWhen you close your notes and try to answer a question from memory, you are using active recall. Each successful retrieval makes the information easier to recall next time — a phenomenon known as the “testing effect”.
In practice, active recall looks like flashcards, self-quizzing, answering past questions, or simply explaining a topic from a blank page. It feels harder than re-reading, and that difficulty is precisely why it works.
Frequently asked questions
Why is active recall effective?
Retrieving information strengthens the memory more than reviewing it does. This “testing effect” means self-quizzing builds far more durable knowledge than re-reading.