Testing Your IT Memory

Check out the findings summarized in this NYTimes.com article that shows that test takers are probably retaining important information better than their non-test-taking counterparts.

It's a bit more complicated than that, but the study, published in Science, shows specifically that those who used a fairly simple method of just plain reading and studying, then taking a test, got better results on their tests than those who used another method, called "concept mapping," in which students diagrammed what they learned. I'm unfamiliar with the idea, but then again, I've been out of school for a while (and maybe I should head back and take some classes).

The Science study offers up a good argument for making sure to take Microsoft Learning up on its Second Shot program. Take the test and if you fail, perhaps you'll have identified the gaps in your knowledge before the next time you take the exam, for free the second time.

(The study from Science is available here for a fee, but some other info is also available without pay, so check out the link anyway.)

Do you usually sign up for the second-shots when taking a test? Tell us about your experiences here.

Posted by Michael Domingo on 01/31/2011 at 11:59 AM