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.
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.
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.
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.
Several factors contribute to forgetting:
- Lack of Reinforcement: Without regular review and application, new
information is less likely to be stored in long-term memory.
- Interference: New information can interfere with old memories, causing
confusion and forgetting.
- Retrieval Failure: Sometimes information is stored in memory but is not
accessible at the moment of recall.
- Context Dependence: Information learned in a specific context might be
difficult to recall in a different context.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blessings,
Dr. Janice R. Love
Founder & CEO Pearls Perfected Institute
