Retention & Understanding

🟠 Retention & Understanding

Deep learning happens when students can connect new knowledge with what they already know. This pillar offers approaches that help learners organize, reflect on, and internalize content. Discover activities that promote thoughtful engagement with material, supported by digital tools that enhance comprehension and help students make lasting sense of their learning.

🟠 Retention & Understanding – Concept Mapping

Visual Thinking: Make Connections Between Ideas

Exercise: Concept Mapping

After a lesson, assign a key topic or question (e.g., “What causes climate change?”).
Ask students to create a concept map that connects key ideas, terms, or events.
Encourage students to include arrows, labels, or images.
Have students share and compare their maps in small groups.
Discuss as a class how different ideas connect.

EdTech Tool: Lucidchart or Canva

🟠 Retention & Understanding – Video Annotations

Pause and Reflect: Make Learning Stick Through Interaction

Exercise: Video Annotations

Assign a short video related to the lesson content.
Use a tool that allows embedded questions or notes within the video.
Have students answer reflection or comprehension questions as they watch.
Review their responses to identify misunderstandings or key takeaways.
Follow up with a class discussion or quick quiz.

EdTech Tool: WeVideo with Interactivity (PlayPosit), Edpuzzle or H5P

🟠 Retention & Understanding – Simulations

Interactive Content: Practice in a Safe Environment

Exercise: Science or Math Simulation

Choose a simulation that mirrors a real-world process (e.g., building circuits, balancing equations).
Introduce the simulation and give students a guided task.
Have students manipulate variables and observe outcomes.
Ask them to record findings or answer reflection questions.
Debrief as a class and connect findings to the curriculum.

EdTech Tool: PhET or ExploreLearning Gizmos

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