It’s a known fact that learners forget most of what they learned within six months of training. This is one of the reasons why many training programs fail to deliver a solid return on investment (ROI).
But why does this happen?
Over a century ago, in the 1870s, Hermann Ebbinghaus introduced the ‘Forgetting Curve’ theory, showing that memory decays over time. However, there’s a solution: repeating the learning and encouraging learners to recall information through deep dives into their memory.
How can we ensure this repetition and recall? The answer lies in Microlearning.
How Much of What’s Learned is Forgotten?
According to Ebbinghaus:
Learning retention drops from 100% to 75% within minutes.
After 20 minutes, only 58% of information remains.
After 1 hour, it decreases to 44%, and after a day, only 33% is retained.
A mere 25% remains after six days.
The big question for businesses is: How can you ensure your workforce retains what they’ve learned after 3 or 6 months?
After all, the effectiveness of your training is on the line.
Turbo-charging Training Effectiveness with Spaced Repetition and Retrieval
To improve training effectiveness, two powerful techniques can be employed: Spaced Repetition and Spaced Retrieval. When these are used together, they can significantly boost learning outcomes.
Spaced Repetition involves providing learners with the same content at regular intervals. By doing so, the brain is forced to reactivate memory just before it forgets, strengthening retention.
Key considerations for spaced repetition:
How frequently should information be repeated?
How to balance reviewing old information while introducing new learning?
Timing the repetition so it doesn’t overload learners or interfere with what’s already been learned.
Spaced Retrieval is the practice of recalling previously learned information. This technique strengthens memory by making what’s been recalled more easily accessible in the future. Think of spaced retrieval as a powerful memory modifier.
The combination of spaced repetition and retrieval ensures better memory retention and recall, transforming microlearning into a robust tool for training reinforcement and augmentation.
How to Implement Spaced Repetition and Retrieval
Start with spaced repetition and then elicit retrieval practice.
The interval between microlearning snippets will vary based on factors such as:
The criticality of the information being learned
The likelihood of learners forgetting the information
Critical information with a high impact on business operations requires frequent repetition. For example, high-risk or regulatory topics may need to be reinforced more often.
There are two ways to schedule microlearning lessons:
Uniform schedule: The intervals between repetitions remain consistent, such as repeating content every two months.
Expanding schedule: The intervals increase progressively (e.g., 1 month, then 2 months, then 3 months), allowing learners to review the material as they approach the forgetting threshold.
How Retrieval Practice Builds Memory
Retrieval practice enhances memory retention by prompting learners to recall information. This can be done via quizzes, tests, gamification exercises, or simulations. Unlike passive review, active recall strengthens the ‘memory trace,’ making it easier to access the information in the future.
Testing is far more effective for memory retention than re-studying content. Quizzes and retrieval exercises not only test knowledge but also modify the memory, leading to deeper learning.
The Impact of Spaced Repetition and Retrieval Practice
By integrating spaced repetition and retrieval practice into microlearning, you create an environment where learners can:
Improve memory retention and recall
Influence their behavior at work through repeated exposure to key concepts
Gain mastery in their area of expertise
This approach helps create a workforce with strong core competencies, providing a competitive edge for the organization.
Case Study: Spaced Repetition and Retrieval in Action
Let’s look at a real-world example. A training manager at XYZ Healthcare aimed to improve the quality of patient-nurse communication. Two teams of nurses participated in the experiment:
Team A: Received spaced repetition (microlearning snippets) every two weeks for three months.
Team B: Received spaced repetition and additional retrieval practice (quizzes and recall exercises) over the same period.
After three months, Team A, which received both spaced repetition and retrieval practice, showed a significant behavioral improvement compared to Team B. The additional retrieval practice made the difference in their ability to apply the learning effectively.
Conclusion
To boost training effectiveness and ROI, it’s essential to combine spaced repetition and retrieval practice in your microlearning strategy. Together, these techniques enhance memory retention, reinforce learning, and lead to better on-the-job performance.
By doing this, you’ll ensure your employees don’t just learn — they remember, apply, and excel.
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