Mastery Learning & Active Recall: The Smarter Way to Study

Ever watched your child spend hours re-reading notes, only to bomb the test? The problem isn’t effort—it’s the method. Most students rely on passive studying techniques that feel productive but are not scientifically proven to create information retention and, most importantly, recall.

At Now Test Prep, we believe in studying smarter, not just harder. That’s why we focus on a core pair of science-backed strategies: Mastery Learning and Active Recall. In tandem, these techniques don’t just improve test scores—they help students build confidence, reduce stress, and develop learning habits that last a lifetime.

Why Cramming & Rushing Through Material Doesn't Work

Many students move from one topic to the next without fully understanding the previous one. Schools follow a fixed curriculum schedule, so if a student falls behind, they often don’t get a chance to catch up. This leads to gaps in foundational knowledge that increase over time.

That’s where Mastery Learning comes in. Instead of rushing ahead, students stay on a topic until they truly understand it before moving forward. Think of it like building a house—without a strong foundation, everything else becomes unstable.

In practice, this looks like setting an objective percentage target and not moving forward until you hit that target on a particular topic. If you want to get a B or above, the target is 80%.; if you want an A, 90%. Do a 10-question quiz and grade it, and don’t move on until you hit your target.

Active Recall: Why Re-Reading Notes Isn’t Enough

Many students believe that re-reading notes is studying. But the truth is, our brains don’t retain information by just looking at it—we need to practice actively retrieving information in order to be able to reliably do so on tests.

That’s the core idea behind Active Recall. Instead of passively reviewing, students can use flashcards, practice tests, and teaching the topic to friends or siblings to force their brain to recall information, making it much more likely to stick. It’s like building muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

At Now Test Prep, Active Recall is built into every session. Our students don’t just review—they quiz themselves, explain concepts out loud, and practice solving problems without looking at the answers. That way when test day comes it’s the fourth or fifth time they are producing the information, not the first.

How You Can Use Active Recall + Mastery Learning at Home

Active Recall Techniques

• Instead of re-reading notes, have your child close their book and recall key ideas from memory.
• Use flashcards or have them write down everything they remember before checking their notes.
• Create practice tests and take them with time pressure. Then have the student grade themselves to engage in self-reflection and improve their own answers.
• Our favorite: ask them to teach you the concept—if they can explain it clearly, they truly understand it!

Mastery Learning

• Instead of asking, “Did you study?”, ask, “What was your score on the practice test?” If your child hasn’t hit their target, guide them through their mistakes and have them try again. Struggling on certain topics is normal! If you aren’t confident teaching the topic yourself, this is where a tutor can help.
• Before moving to the next lesson, have them solve problems without looking at their notes to test their understanding. Try to resist helping them until you are reviewing their initial try together so you can get an accurate assessment of their skills.
• Remind them that learning isn’t a race—it’s okay to take extra time on tricky concepts. Quality over speed is always best in the long run.
• Don’t be afraid to go back and review older material, particularly after long breaks. Students lose skills they don’t practice.

The Long-Term Benefits for Parents, Students & Tutors

In combination, Mastery Learning and Active Recall don’t just improve test scores—they build a foundation for lifelong success. These techniques work in the classroom and far beyond, and will help students develop the confidence and critical thinking skills needed to tackle future academic and professional challenges. These techniques create a shift from last-minute cramming to deep, enduring learning, ensuring that students retain knowledge long after the test is over.

For parents, this means peace of mind. Instead of watching your child struggle on tests despite hours ‘studying’, you can be confident that they are truly learning—not just memorizing facts for a test, but understanding concepts in a way that will serve them in the long run.

For tutors and educators, Active Recall makes teaching more effective and engaging. Mastery Learning ensures that instead of just reviewing material, students truly understand a topic so you can keep lessons moving forward instead of repeating the same topic over and over. The result? Better test scores and a deeper love for learning that lasts beyond the classroom.

At Now Test Prep, we believe in empowering students with the right tools to succeed—not just for their next exam, but for every academic challenge ahead. If you want to help your child develop study habits that last a lifetime, book a free consultation today and discover a smarter way to learn!