Having your employees learn new concepts is great, but how can you make sure they retain those new skills long-term? Here are a few tips to help you create eLearning that is effective at improving employee knowledge retention.
Problem-Based Learning
Providing encouragement and support for critical thinking in eLearning can help increase the learning retention rate over time. Problem-based learning (PBL) is an approach to instruction that is designed to encourage critical thinking. The approach requires learners to identify the problem and evaluate the value of possible solutions. It also requires students to process information and develop logical solutions to the problem, a task that engages the learner more than simple memorization, and hence which leads to improved information retention.
Break the Learning into Chunks
Using microlearning to break eLearning into easily consumable chunks is a great way to increase your learners' retention rates as well. It's been proven that if you take a single long-form learning activity and break it up into several small, more manageable chunks, you can improve your learners' retention rates by a large margin because the amount of information to integrate within a set time frame is smaller and hence conducive to more detail-oriented learning.
The microlearning chunk should be bite-sized, with an objective that's clearly defined and measurable. To be truly effective, you need to use reinforcement tools to make sure that your learners are using their new knowledge to their advantage. For example, a pop quiz after an eLearning module might reinforce key takeaways.
Add to Learners’ Existing Knowledge
Repetition is the key to making knowledge memorable. In eLearning, repetition is often referred to as spaced repetition, and can include a variety of different techniques. The most effective technique involves adding new information to existing knowledge. This way, the information stays in the learner's long-term memory for longer periods of time and is cumulative. Think of websites like Duolingo – repetition, alongside the combining of various concepts, is what makes it stick.
Creating online learning modules that reinforce the key takeaways early and often can help your employees retain the knowledge they learn as well. Repetition is the most effective way to make knowledge stick, as mentioned above, so repeating the key takeaways and reminding the learner of the most important learning points ensures more retention.
Spaced Learning
Spaced learning is a learning strategy based on the theory of memory enhancement through repetition over a longer period of time. Using spaced learning in eLearning is a good practice to improve the retention of information. This approach can help your employees improve their performance while it also gives them the opportunity to practice the knowledge they've learned on their own time. It reduces mental exhaustion and encourages long-term retention of information without needing them to cram information within a short period of time, which can lead to mistakes.
Indeed, eLearning is the future of sales training. Whether you are looking to train and onboard new employees, execute team efficiency training, or provide personal development courses to your employees, eLearning is the way to go. At Lighthouse OD, eLearning is our specialty! Reach out today to find out more about how we can help you.
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