How Soon We Forget: How to Enhance Learning Retention

Perhaps, like me, you consider yourself on a lifelong journey of learning. Yet, as the years accumulate, isn’t it fascinating and somewhat disconcerting how the quest for knowledge turns into a struggle to hold onto the most recent page you just turned? Since I am a ‘brain geek’, I first thought forgetting had something to do with aging, until I remembered there were plenty times in my learning journey that I had not retained information at a much younger age. However, just in case forgetting was related to a decline in brain activity, I requested a ‘diva’ wordsearch puzzle book for Mother’s Day just to be safe. My daughter was much too happy to deliver.

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If forgetting learned material has happened to you be assured that the process of forgetting what we have learned is a common human experience. Despite the best intentions and efforts, many individuals find that knowledge and skills acquired with effort can quickly fade away. There are several reasons why this can happen. One of the most common reasons is because of information overload. Afterall, our brains can only handle so much information at once. If we are trying to absorb too many new concepts or details all at once, it’s likely some if it didn’t stick.?

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Another reason for forgetting is simply a lack of interest. If the subject matter isn’t engaging or relevant to you, your brain might not have prioritized learning the information. We tend to remember things better when they capture our interest or have personal significance.

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In my experience, the other reason we might have forgotten what we just learned is due to stress or anxiety. High levels of stress or anxiety can impair your ability to focus and remember new information. If you are feeling overwhelmed or worried, it can affect the learning process.

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The Science of Forgetting

There is actually a science of forgetting and there have been many s to explain why it occurs. One of the most well-known theories is the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve, developed by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. According to Ebbinghaus, the rate of forgetting is exponential; people tend to forget more information soon after learning it, with the rate of forgetting slowing down over time. His research indicated that within a day, people can forget up to 50% of what they learned, and within a week, up to 90%. In the science world the following factors contribute to forgetting.

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Several factors contribute to forgetting:

?1.??? Lack of Reinforcement: Without regular review and application, new information is less likely to be stored in long-term memory.

2.??? Interference: New information can interfere with old memories, causing confusion and forgetting.

3.??? Retrieval Failure: Sometimes information is stored in memory but is not accessible at the moment of recall.

4.??? Context Dependence: Information learned in a specific context might be difficult to recall in a different context.

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As a long-time healthcare learning and development leader, I used several methodologies to enhance employee learning so information was retained. Some of the proven favorites I have taken into my current business include active engagement, spaced repetition and real-world application. Instead of passively reading or listening my clients are given opportunities to actively engage with the material. This includes summarizing what was learned in their own words or teaching the material to someone else. Active engagement helps reinforce the neural pathways associated with the information, making it easier to recall later.

Utilizing the technique of spaced repetition, which involves reviewing the material at increasing intervals over time leverages what is called the ‘spacing effect’. Information is more easily recalled if it is studied a few times over a long period rather than cramming it in a short period. Think about the information you crammed into your brain while in college to pass an exam. How much of that is still with you compared to what you have learned by doing in your profession?

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Using the real-world technique has always been my favorite. Using the knowledge in a practical context helps solidify it in your memory and makes it more meaningful, which enhances retention. This can be accomplished through projects, discussions or practical exercises related to the subject matter.

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While in corporate America I had the benefit of having a Learning Management System to help mitigate the forgetting curve and improve retention. E-learning had several advantages and benefits including accessibility and convenience, interactive and engaging content, personalized learning, microlearning, assessments and feedback, ?spaced repetition, and even gamification. Our learning and development team was able to take advantage of all e-learning had to offer to help our employees learn and retain information needed to do their jobs effectively.

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?When I became an entrepreneur serving clients one-on-one in a coaching or counseling session, I missed the benefits of having an e-learning system to share knowledge. I was forced to use the one-on-one session to teach and share knowledge all the while wishing I had a way to provide them with e-learning opportunities. That’s when I learned about course building software. High powered coaches and experts were using these platforms to share their expertise with multiple clients at once. Not only was it a great way to build a brand but also a great way to provide clients access in a much more convenient way.

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With my experience with learning management systems it was a no brainer for me and that’s when the client learning portal was born. Now clients assigned to my client learning portal have the following benefits. ?

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The Benefits of E-Learning for Retention

1.??? Accessibility and Convenience: E-learning provides clients with the flexibility to access materials at any time and from any location. This convenience allows for frequent review sessions, which are essential for moving information from short-term to long-term memory. Regular access to learning materials helps reinforce knowledge and skills.

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2.??? Interactive and Engaging Content: Utilizing multiple senses enhances memory retention by creating diverse cognitive pathways to access the information. A client learning portal can integrate various modalities, including text, audio, video, and interactive simulations. Multimedia content actively engages learners making the process more memorable by creating stronger mental associations which can improve recall.

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3.??? Microlearning: E-learning supports the concept of microlearning, where information is delivered in small, manageable chunks. Microlearning aligns with the brain's natural ability to process and retain information more effectively when it is broken down into smaller segments. Short, focused learning sessions are easier to review and remember.

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4.??? Regular Assessments and Feedback: Online learning environments can include regular assessments and instant feedback. Frequent assessments encourage learners to recall information actively, reinforcing their memory. Immediate feedback helps correct misconceptions and reinforces correct understanding.

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5.??? Spaced Repetition: This technique leverages the spacing effect, so information is better retained when reviewed over spaced intervals rather than crammed into a single session. Information can be delivered by drip feed rather than all at once. .

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Overall, the natural tendency to forget information poses a significant challenge to effective learning. However, e-learning through a client learning portal provides a robust set of tools and techniques to help and your clients counteract the forgetting curve and enhance retention. By offering flexibility, interactivity, personalization, and frequent reinforcement, e-learning can help your clients retain and apply knowledge more effectively. Want to learn more about user friendly technology that can keep your clients learning long after their sessions? Visit Pearls Perfected Institute and join a community that is shaking up how mental health and wellness experts share knowledge helping clients to “Learn it by Heart’ for lasting positive change. As technology continues to advance, the potential for e-learning to support lifelong learning and memory retention will only grow, making it an invaluable resource in client education and beyond.

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Blessings,

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Dr. Janice R. Love