Practice makes perfect, we know this… but it isn’t just that. Testing ourselves is the real measure of our worth. Regular testing of skills and knowledge increases mastery more than repetition or practice alone. Going through a test is not easy, it takes will and a form of bravery, as C.S. Lewis wisely noted, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” We can see ourselves as kind, patient, magnanimous individuals but until we’re put in a position to test those suppositions, we don’t really know.

The Power of Active Testing

Research¹²³⁴⁵ has shown that active testing improves performance and enhances retention more than preparation, practice, or studying for the same amount of time. This principle doesn’t just apply to academic knowledge or physical skills – it’s equally relevant to our character development.

Think about it: traits like perseverance, kindness, confidence, and integrity only become truly relevant when we’re put in situations that test them.

“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body.” – Seneca

Examples from Literature and Life

1. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” Frodo Baggins’ courage and determination are repeatedly tested on his journey to destroy the One Ring. Each challenge he faces, from the Nazgûl to the temptation of the Ring itself, shapes his character and ultimately enables him to complete his quest.
2. In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch’s integrity is put to the test when he defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of a crime in a racially prejudiced town. This trial becomes the crucible that solidifies Atticus’s reputation as a man of unshakeable moral principle.
3. Nelson Mandela, whose 27 years in prison tested and strengthened his resolve, compassion, and leadership skills. As Mandela himself said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Practical Application: Building Character Through Testing

Here are three strategies to apply this to our own lives:

1. Approach Character Traits as Skills to be Built
   Every situation you face is an opportunity to learn something new about yourself. Let go of the belief that your character is fixed. Just as your skills can be developed over time, your character can be shaped through commitment and practice.
2. Be Relentlessly Objective
   Instead of reacting negatively to challenging circumstances, view them as opportunities to strengthen your desired character traits. It’s easy to have integrity when there’s nothing tempting you. It’s when you’re tested and stand firm in your principles that your character truly solidifies.
3. Be Specific and Avoid Absolutes. Look to Grow.
   Building traits, like skills, takes practice. Provide yourself with specific feedback as you grow. Avoid labelling yourself as “good” or “bad” at certain things. Instead, assess where you’ve improved and where you have areas for growth. Learn from both, then move on to welcome the next test.

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” – William James

Just as you wouldn’t expect a new skill to be built overnight, growing character takes repetition and dedication over time. The testing effect becomes a powerful tool to provide objectivity in the game of shaping your character throughout life.

Every virtue is formed at the testing point. So the next time you face a challenge, embrace it as an opportunity for growth. It is through these tests that we truly discover – and shape – who we are.

Sources:
1. Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-Enhanced Learning: Taking Memory Tests Improves Long-Term Retention. Psychological Science, 17(3), 249-255.

• This seminal study demonstrated that repeated testing led to better long-term retention than repeated studying.

2. Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger, H. L. (2008). The Critical Importance of Retrieval for Learning. Science, 319(5865), 966-968.

• This research showed that testing is a more effective learning strategy than additional study, even when the total time spent on the material is held constant.

3. Adesope, O. O., Trevisan, D. A., & Sundararajan, N. (2017). Rethinking the Use of Tests: A Meta-Analysis of Practice Testing. Review of Educational Research, 87(3), 659-701.

• This meta-analysis of 118 studies confirmed the benefits of practice testing across various contexts and learner characteristics.

4. McDaniel, M. A., Anderson, J. L., Derbish, M. H., & Morrisette, N. (2007). Testing the testing effect in the classroom. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 19(4-5), 494-513.

• This study extended the testing effect to classroom settings, showing benefits for students’ course performance.

5. Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4-58.

• This comprehensive review rated practice testing as having “high utility” for learning, based on the strength of supporting evidence.