Testing Improves Memory of Non-Tested Material

Here's some research that is applicable to law school students:

A study done at Washington University in St. Louis found that students who were tested on material they read had better long-term memory of the material -- even of the stuff that wasn't on the test. All students read a passage about toucans. Some were tested on that material, some were given extra study and some were sent home. The next day all the students were tested using a test that contained the questions from the previous day's test as well as new questions. The students who had been tested previously did better on the new questions than either of the other groups. Another finding was that students who spent more time answering the questions on the first day did better on the second day. So, since law school classes typically only have one exam at the end of the semester, it is probably a good idea to take a practice exam if you can, and take your time thinking about the questions.test law+school memory