7 Strategies to Improve Learning Retention in Corporate Training

Corporate training is an essential aspect of employee development, helping turn young talent into tomorrow's leaders! But as research shows, much of what is learned can be quickly forgotten without proper retention techniques.

It’s said the average learner forgets 70 per cent of what they learned within 24 hours and a staggering 90 per cent within a week. To ensure your employees retain the valuable information and skills gained during training sessions, it's crucial to implement strategies that improve learning retention. This blog explores seven effective strategies to help you and your team get the most out of your corporate training efforts.

What's in it for the learner?

Identifying the training goals and learning objectives from the start is crucial, helping employees understand why the training is important. Research has shown that learners are more likely to retain information when they feel personally invested in it, so focus on how the material will benefit them. Ideally, learning outcomes should be aligned with business goals and job responsibilities, therefore, you can reinforce how their new knowledge will help them evolve their skills and succeed with the company.

Engaging content empowers learning

Making training sessions interactive and engaging is one of the most effective retention techniques. Interactive content can include anything from hands-on activities to virtual simulations, games and quizzes. The more engaged learners are with the material they're presented with, the more likely they'll retain it. From articles to videos, podcasts, webinars, or infographics, content should be delivered in a way that captures the learners' attention and holds their interest. Many interactive and engaging training methods also allow for immediate feedback, allowing learners to correct mistakes and build confidence in their newfound knowledge and skills. Whether in a traditional classroom setting or a virtual session, incorporating interactive elements into your training programme can significantly improve learning retention and make the training process both enjoyable and effective for your employees.

Blended learning can provide the best of both worlds

Blended learning allows leaders and their teams to enjoy a truly dynamic, engaging and flexible learning experience, which can significantly improve retention rates. By using a combination of delivery modalities, participants can learn in an environment which best suits their needs and requirements. Both digital and in-person training provides opportunities for learners to ask questions and engage in activities and the blend of both format allows employees to enjoy a mix of both virtual and face-to-face sessions.

Incorporate realistic scenarios

In corporate training, a case study is a story with a plot, characters, and a problem that the learners must resolve. The plot mirrors the reality of the workplace, allowing employees to interact with the material in a meaningful, personal way. Case studies also typically end with open-ended questions that prompt learners to think deeply about their decisions and the potential repercussions, ensuring long-term retention.

Gamification

By adopting an incentive-based approach with competitions and rewards, employers can give learners the ability to collect points for different achievements, reflect on a leader board, earn badges each time they've completed a new course, learned a new skill, or demonstrated their newly acquired abilities in the workplace.

Assessments

Regular assessments are essential for gauging learner progress and their understanding of the material. Assessments give employers valuable insight into the effectiveness of their training and the areas requiring improvement or further study. Learners can track their progress, ensuring everyone is on the same page before moving on to more complex concepts. Assessments also provide an opportunity for feedback where learners can take away key insights from each assessment as they progress.

Encourage group discussions

Group discussions are a great way to encourage collaboration, promote team building and motivate learners. Group discussions allow teams to come together, share their experiences, discuss best practices, debate industry trends and collaborate to solve problems. This process not only encourages knowledge sharing but also helps foster an open learning environment that can significantly improve learner engagement and retention.

At GBS Corporate Training, we have a deep understanding of the challenges managers and leaders face in today’s highly pressurised world, where the demands placed on everyone to achieve results are intense. By incorporating interactive elements, blended learning, realistic scenarios, gamification, assessments and group discussions into your training, you can create a truly dynamic and engaging experience.

If you would like to learn more about how you can build an effective and enjoyable learning journey for your team or wish to explore our comprehensive range of corporate training solutions please speak to a member of our team on 01252 618 400. You can also start a live chat on our website.

Sources:

https://medium.com/@CWContent/6-waysto-overcome-the-forgetting-curve-354151c355c