What can enhance memory retention during instruction?

Active engagement techniques are highly effective in enhancing memory retention during instruction because they promote active participation and interaction with the material being taught. When students are actively involved—through discussions, group work, hands-on activities, or problem-solving tasks—they process information more deeply, which helps to solidify their understanding and recall of the content.

Engagement also encourages critical thinking and allows students to make connections between new information and prior knowledge, thus fostering a more meaningful learning experience. This type of learning aligns with principles of constructivist pedagogy, which emphasizes the importance of learners constructing their own understanding through interaction with the material and their peers.

In contrast, approaches that rely on passive listening or repetitive processes often result in superficial learning, where students may remember information for a short period but struggle to retain it long-term. Constant lecturing tends to lead to a less interactive classroom environment, which can limit student involvement and reduce the effectiveness of the learning experience.