Recent research has demonstrated that allowing time in class to actively engage students in recalling previously taught content is one of the most effective techniques for boosting students’ confidence and knowledge base. This technique, referred to as Retrieval Practice, is the focus of this workshop.

The best thing about Retrieval Practice is it is something most teachers are already doing. It is applicable across different subjects and year levels and incredibly simple to use.

In the workshop I will demonstrate how to implement the technique with a focus on the principles of spacing, interleaving and metacognition. We will look at some examples of resources which can aid our classroom planning and discuss the many small changes we can make to our practice which will have a marked impact on our students’ progress.

This workshop will be led by Stephen Wilshaw.

Stephen is a Science teacher who has 7 years experience working in Chinese secondary schools both in the mainland and Hong Kong. Prior to this he studied Physics at the University of Manchester, obtaining his PhD in Nonlinear Dynamics in 2008. During his time in China he was Head of the Science Facculty at the RDFZ Chaoyang Branch School, Beijing.

Stephen joined NAIS HK in 2018. The majority of his classes are with Key Stage 3 students who are beginning their study of secondary Science. Key to this process has been the development of strategies which both engage students and help them learn facts which will be useful in both their future studies and daily lives. He loves teaching and having the opportunity to learn with and from others in the profession.