Which technique is effective for helping students retain information?

Teaching a peer is a highly effective technique for helping students retain information because it requires the student to thoroughly understand the material in order to explain it clearly to someone else. This process of articulating knowledge reinforces the learner’s understanding and retention. When students teach others, they engage in higher-order thinking skills such as analysis and synthesis, which deepen their mastery of the subject matter. Additionally, peer teaching often encourages discussion, questions, and a collaborative learning environment that can enhance comprehension and retention.

Repetition of material, utilizing visual aids, and summarizing content are also beneficial strategies for retention. However, they typically don't engage the learner as actively as peer teaching, which fosters a more dynamic and interactive learning experience. In essence, teaching others not only solidifies the teacher's knowledge but also creates an opportunity for both the teacher and the learner to refine their understanding through dialogue and inquiry.