Repetition and Reinforcement: The Dynamic Duo of eLearning for Enhanced Retention

Repetition and reinforcement are essential principles of eLearning that help learners retain knowledge and apply it in the long term. The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve is a well-known research concept that highlights the importance of repetition in learning.?

In this article, I want to discuss the significance of repetition and reinforcement, provide a brief explanation of the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve, and provide an example of how we work to implement repetition and reinforcement in eLearning and micro-learning with quizzes and confidence checks.

Why is repetition and reinforcement important in eLearning?

Repetition and reinforcement are critical in eLearning because they help learners remember information, reinforce concepts, and apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. When learners are exposed to new concepts, they may initially retain the information for a short period, but without reinforcement, they may forget it over time. Repetition and reinforcement ensure that learners can recall information and apply it beyond the initial learning experience.

Research studies have shown that repetition and reinforcement are effective ways to enhance learning outcomes. In a study conducted by the National Training Laboratories Institute, it was found that learners retained only 5% of information presented through a lecture, whereas they retained 90% of information that was taught through practice and application. The study highlights the significance of reinforcing knowledge through practice and application to enhance learning outcomes.

What is the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve?

The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve is based on a research concept that describes how learners forget information over time. The curve suggests that learners forget up to 50% of new information within the first hour of learning and up to 70% within the first 24 hours. The curve highlights the need for repetition and reinforcement to ensure that learners can retain knowledge beyond the initial learning experience.

How can I implement repetition and reinforcement in eLearning?

Here are a few examples of how to implement repetition and reinforcement in eLearning:

Incorporate spaced repetition: Spaced repetition involves exposing learners to information at intervals, allowing them to retain knowledge in the long term. For example, a course on medical terminology could introduce new terms in the first module, reinforce them in the second module, and test learners' knowledge in the third module.

We've also started to build into our Learn To Win platform and Learning Management System (LMS) a framework for delivering microlearning modules with multiple learning objectives to be delivered over a 12-month period of time using the Fibonacci sequence for review and repetition. Below is a simple example.

Example Review Schedule:

• Day 1: Review learning objective 1 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 2: Review learning objective 2 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 3: Review learning objective 1 and 2 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 5: Review learning objective 3 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 8: Review learning objective 1, 2, and 3 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 13: Review learning objective 4 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 21: Review learning objective 1, 2, 3, and 4 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 34: Review learning objective 5 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 55: Review learning objective 4 and 5 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 89: Review learning objective 3, 4, and 5 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 144: Review learning objective 2, 3, 4, and 5 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)
• Day 233: Review learning objective 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (score your confidence level on a scale of 1-5)

Use scenarios and simulations: Scenarios and simulations allow learners to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, reinforcing concepts and enhancing retention. For example, a micro-course on customer service or sales may include scenarios where learners practice handling challenging situations, reinforcing their customer service and sales skills.

Provide feedback and remediation: Feedback and remediation allow learners to identify areas where they need improvement, reinforcing knowledge and enhancing retention.

For example, a course on data analysis could provide feedback on learners' performance in quizzes and offer remediation and links back to content areas within a course so they can refresh and reinforce learning.

Use microlearning: Microlearning involves breaking down information and learning into smaller, highly focused, and digestible chunks, allowing learners to retain knowledge in the long term. For example, a course we built recently for a client was for their sales and merchandising team’s order system technology. The course covers, what it was all about, how the process and App function, and why it was important and key to their job and the company. The microlearning modules were on the specific concepts, processes, and App functions, we are built reinforcing knowledge quizzes, with confidence checks to help enhance retention.

Why include confidence check questions in eLearning?

The use of confidence check questions can be an essential aspect of eLearning that allows learners to assess their knowledge and confidence in the subject matter. Confidence check questions can help learners identify gaps in their knowledge, correct misconceptions, and reinforce key concepts, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes.?

We know that when confidence check questions are included in eLearning it not only helps learners assess their knowledge and confidence in the subject matter, but it also identifies areas where they need improvement, and reinforce key concepts. Confidence check questions can also help learners build self-awareness and self-regulation, enhancing their learning outcomes.

A UC California – San Francisco research study has shown that the use of confidence check questions can enhance learning outcomes. The study found that the use of confidence check questions in an eLearning module enhanced learner engagement and knowledge retention.?(See Sources.)

The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve highlights the need for repetition and reinforcement to enhance retention and learning outcomes. By incorporating spaced repetition, scenarios and simulations, feedback, quizzes, remediation, and microlearning with confidence checks, learners can reinforce knowledge and truly learn how to apply skills in real-world scenarios over time.

If you're interested in creating eLearning solutions that reinforce knowledge and build team capabilities, please contact Learning Evolution today. Our team of experts can help design, build, and implement customized eLearning solutions that incorporate the latest research on repetition and reinforcement to enhance retention and learning outcomes.

Please contact us now to learn more!

Sources:

National Training Laboratories Institute. (2017). The Learning Pyramid: National Training Laboratories Institute. ?

Ebbinghaus, H. (1885). Memory: A contribution to experimental psychology. Dover Publications.

University of California, San Francisco. Instructional Strategies: Confidence Checks.