Is recitation an effective tool for adult learners?

The effects of recitation on subsequent recall were examined in 4 experiments modeled after thoseof Gates (1917). Participants underwent a study phase, a recitation phase, and a test phase. During therecitation phase participants were to attempt to recall the previously studied material and then to restudyit when they could not recall any new information. They were encouraged to switch between recallingand restudying. The proportion of the total acquisition time that was spent in recitation was varied.Unlike the classic findings reported by Gates (1917) in schoolchildren, there was no consistent evidencethat recitation enhanced learning in these adult learners.