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Classroom-based programs of retrieval practice reduce middle school and high school students’ test anxiety.

Agarwal, Pooja K., D'Antonio, Laura, Roediger, Henry L., McDermott, Kathleen B., McDaniel, Mark A.·2014·Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition
DOI 10.1016/j.jarmac.2014.07.002
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Abstract

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

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  • In Agarwal et al. (2014), 72% of students reported that retrieval practice made them feel less nervous about upcoming tests.

    “When asked if retrieval practice made students more or less nervous for tests and exams, 72% reported that retrieval practice made them feel less nervous about upcoming tests.”

    From Does Retrieval Practice Protect Memory Against Stress? A Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as Agarwal et al., 2014

  • Retrieval practice may protect memory against the negative effects of stress.

    “Evidence suggests retrieval practice can protect memory against the negative effects of stress on memory (Agarwal et al., 2014; Smith & Thomas, 2018)”

    From Does Retrieval Practice Protect Memory Against Stress? A Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as Agarwal et al., 2014

  • In Agarwal et al. (2014), 54% of students reported that retrieval practice reduced their test anxiety.

    “over half of students (54%) reported that retrieval practice reduced their test anxiety.”

    From Does Retrieval Practice Protect Memory Against Stress? A Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as Agarwal et al., 2014

  • Most middle school (N = 1,302) and high school (N = 102) students reported that quizzing did not make them more nervous for the unit test.

    “As can be seen in Figure 5e, f, most middle school (N = 1,302) and high school (N = 102) students agreed: Quizzing did not make them any more nervous for the unit test.”

    From Practicing Retrieval Facilitates Learning (2021) · cites this paper as Agarwal et al. 2014

  • Most students reported decreased test anxiety after having worked with the materials on the quizzes.

    “Indeed, most students reported decreased test anxiety after having worked with the materials on the quizzes.”

    From Practicing Retrieval Facilitates Learning (2021) · cites this paper as Agarwal et al. 2014

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Authors
Agarwal, P. K., D'Antonio, L., Roediger, H. L., McDermott, K. B., & McDaniel, M. A.
Affiliations
  • Washington University in St. Louis (US)
  • Fairview School District (US)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
2014-09
Volume
3
Issue
3
Pages
131-139
ISSN
  • 2211-3681 (ISSN-L)
  • 2211-369X
DOI
10.1016/j.jarmac.2014.07.002
OpenAlex
W2133635545
Cited by
119
References
18
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 2
FWCI
2.42
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations
Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition (publishedVersion)
Funders
US Department of Education (R305H060080-06; R305A110550)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Education, Achievement, and Giftedness
Keywords
retrieval practice, test anxiety, classroom learning, study habits, junior high school students, high school students, K-12 education, student perceptions, exam performance

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