As technology advances rapidly, organizations must equip employees with effective training programs that enhance their skills in using the latest technologies, understanding new information, and applying it for future use. However, employees who are already dealing with work-related stress may struggle to retain new information over time.
Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus introduced the concept of the "forgetting curve," which demonstrates that our ability to retain information diminishes over days and weeks without active review. Information fading depends on several factors, such as the material's difficulty, its relevance to the learners, presentation style, and physiological factors like stress and sleep.
So, what strategies and solutions can be employed to ensure that employees retain the educational content provided in training courses?
Retaining Information
Retaining information is the ability to transfer new information into long-term memory to be easily recalled and used in the future.
4 Factors Influencing Information Retention
1. Interest and Motivation
It is important that trainees are interested in a training course; motivated learners are more likely to retain information longer because their minds are focused on topics that interest them.
For example, sales representatives are more inclined to learn about a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system than marketing automation tools. If they receive training on both topics, they are more likely to remember CRM-related information than automation tool-related information.
2. Repetition
Repeating learning materials plays a pivotal role in remembering information; the more learners repeat or practice a task, the more likely they will remember it longer. For example, children struggle with multiplication tables, so they are recommended to write them down and post them on a board for review and repetition throughout the day.
3. Linking Information
Paying attention to the meaning and importance of content or linking it to real-life scenarios helps learners grasp concepts quickly and remember information for longer.
Learners can retain information longer and understand concepts more quickly when focusing on their significance and meaning or relating them to real-world situations.
4. Using Multimedia
Learners prefer different learning styles; some learn visually, some require hands-on training, and others need a trainer to guide them. Therefore, selecting an appropriate learning method is essential for improving memory retention.
The Learning Pyramid
The National Training Laboratory developed the Learning Pyramid in the 1960s. It is a theoretical model that illustrates different learning strategies and their anticipated retention rates. The Pyramid demonstrates how individuals can retain information using different techniques such as listening to lectures, reading books, watching videos, etc.
The Learning Pyramid’s Elements
1. Lectures
According to the Learning Pyramid, lectures rank among the least effective methods for learning and retaining information. They are a passive learning experience, as learners primarily listen to the trainer's presentation.
2. Reading
Reading is somewhat more effective than lectures for information retention. It is a better medium because it provides learners with a reference to review the material.
3. Audio-Visual Methods
Learners often find it easier to grasp concepts when presented through audio-visual means. Watching a brief video to learn a new skill is typically more efficient than reading lengthy texts, and it saves time.
4. Demonstration
In this approach, an instructor or mentor guides learners through a task step by step. This approach clarifies information more effectively than passive study techniques and helps in understanding and retaining complex details.
5. Discussions
Discussions create a collaborative learning environment and increase information retention. They encourage critical thinking and boost participation and engagement among learners.
6. Practical Application
Hands-on experience is one of the most effective ways to learn, as it allows learners to apply their knowledge in real-world situations, boosting long-term retention. The 70-20-10 model suggests that 70% of learning occurs through employee experiences.
7. Teaching Others
The Learning Pyramid indicates that teaching others is the most effective way to master a subject and retain information over time. If someone can accurately explain a topic to others, it demonstrates a solid understanding of the material and improves retention.
Strategies for Improving Information Retention
This part of the article will discuss 3 strategies for remembering information, followed by 8 additional ones in Part II.
1. Spaced Learning
Spaced learning is an effective strategy for retaining information that helps trainees learn quickly and efficiently while minimizing forgetfulness. This strategy is based on the idea that memory retention improves when information is repeated at spaced intervals.
To incorporate spaced learning in corporate training, long employee training programs should be divided into several short sessions or units spaced apart. Repeating key information from earlier sessions multiple times over days or weeks can help learners retain it in the long term.
2. Blended Learning
Blended learning combines the two best training methods (traditional face-to-face training and online learning) to enhance information retention. Blended learning programs provide access to online training resources both online and offline, accommodating all learner types—those who prefer traditional classroom settings and those who favor semi-independent computer training.
Using blended learning in corporate training programs ensures that all employees are considered, whether they prefer visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learning. This leads to better retention compared to traditional approaches.
3. Microlearning
Microlearning involves breaking down learning content into small pieces. This approach facilitates information retention because it's easier to remember concepts presented in brief daily learning units than those covered in an hour-long webinar or an extensive training session.
Given the decreasing attention span of millennial employees and the constant distractions faced while working from home, trainers should use microlearning in online courses to ensure employee engagement. Learners will not feel overwhelmed by too much information presented at once, which aids in better retention.
In Conclusion
This part of the article discussed the information retention concept, 4 contributing factors, the Learning Pyramid, and 3 strategies for improving information retention. Part II will continue with 8 additional strategies.
