What technique can help students retain information from a text?

Making connections to personal experiences or knowledge is a powerful technique for helping students retain information from a text. This approach engages students on a deeper level, as they relate the material to their own life, existing knowledge, or prior experiences. When students find relevance in what they are reading, it not only enhances comprehension but also makes the information more memorable. This type of active engagement can lead to better retention because it encourages students to create mental associations and foster a more meaningful understanding of the material.

On the other hand, reading the text only once may not be sufficient for retention, as it lacks reinforcement of the concepts. Focusing solely on unfamiliar vocabulary can isolate important content from the larger context, potentially leading to a fragmented understanding. Completing assignments without reading misses the opportunity to connect with the text, which is essential for effective learning and memory retention.