Active recall

Active recall is a principle of efficient learning, which says that we need to actively stimulate memory in the learning process. It is an opposite to [passive review]? in which the learning material is processed passively (e.g. by reading, watching, etc.).

For example, when you read a text about George Washington, this is passive review.

If you answer a question "Who was the first US President?", this is active recall.

Active recall is many times more efficient in consolidating long-term memory. This is why just reading your study notes before exam is not likely to leave a long-lasting memory trace. On the other hand, if you ask your colleague to test you on the same material, the results will be better in the long run.