Do you struggle to apply the principles or techniques taught in the course to your work? The training’s delivery could have been more effective, leading to insufficient retention and practical application. Trainers need to ensure that the delivery is effective to improve the retention of the teachings. An effective delivery makes learning for individuals much more straightforward and digestible.
In this blog, we will explore a model about learning retention that will help you prepare strategies to help the effectiveness of your delivery.
What is the Forgetting Curve?
German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus (1880) wanted to understand why we forget things and how to prevent them. He produced the Forgetting Curve – a visual representation of how intellectual information fades over time.
Memories weaken over time
As time passes, our memory tends to fade. If we fail to refresh or reinforce what we have learned, our recollection of it gradually diminishes. We must revisit and practice what we have retained to keep it fresh in our memory.
The most significant drop in retention happens soon after learning
It is essential to reinforce knowledge by breaking down the learning sessions into smaller segments, also known as bite-size learning. Another effective technique is spaced repetition, where the learning material is revisited in intervals to reinforce the knowledge gained. Additionally, trainers can employ peer learning and collaboration to encourage discussion and sharing of knowledge, which can enhance learning retention.
It’s easier to retain things that have meaning
Make your teaching or learning more engaging by attaching a story to it. Contextualised examples bring your material to life and make it easier to understand and remember.
The way information is presented affects learning.
If the trainer doesn’t create visuals, draw your own or write your notes as mind maps. Trainers should avoid passive learning and use active learning techniques. Using Multimedia is a great way to vary the presentation methods.
Avoid overwhelming content
When sharing information, it is crucial to consider how you present it. Rather than presenting a large amount of information at once, it is beneficial to break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. These chunks should be logically structured to ensure the information flows cohesively and is easy to follow. Additionally, it is essential to prioritise the most critical information to ensure that the audience receives the necessary details first.
Lack of content
When sharing a concept or idea, including tangible and practical illustrations, such as real-world examples, case studies, and scenarios, is always helpful. These illustrations can help provide a clear understanding of the subject matter, making it easier for the audience to comprehend and retain the presented information.
How you feel affects how well you remember
If you are tired, you aren’t as receptive to learning. As a trainer, it’s essential to make training fun and adopt a learner-centred approach. Making the content interactive, relevant, and engaging can help the learner retain the knowledge shared.
At Strategic Professionals, we offer comprehensive train-the-trainer courses tailored to meet your unique needs. Our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to create effective training materials, deliver engaging training sessions, and evaluate training outcomes. Whether you’re looking to train your staff or a group of external trainees, our courses will equip you with the tools you need to succeed. Our experienced trainers will work with you to develop your skills, providing you with practical guidance and support every step of the way.
Click here to learn how Strategic Professionals can help your organisation’s training effectiveness!
