Why Repeat Training Produces Better Results

Back in 1885, a German psychologist named Hermann Ebbinghaus founded the now-famous “Forgetting Curve” while conducting experimental research on memory. The curve summarizes the learning journey of every individual; a closer study shows how it highlights the importance of repetition. Do you remember your first bike ride? Initially, the emphasis was on learning the basic skills like balancing the bicycle while propelling yourself forward. Once you got the pedaling down, all that is left is to keep practicing until you have completely mastered cycling. This same concept holds true for all kinds of learning; repetition is at the heart of learning.

Beauty in Repetition

Did you know that most corporate training participants are likely to forget seventy percent of what they were taught within a day? In order to get the most out of corporate training, businesses need to create employee training sessions that encourage information recall. Incorporating repeat training will not only improve overall skill retention but will also result in the following benefits:

• Improves Workforce Productivity

Organizations must continuously innovate to remain competitive in the ever-changing global marketplace.  This goal increasingly depends on the existing skills and knowledge of the workforce. Repetitive training enables employees to develop new skill sets to remain competitive and productive.

• Sparks New Ideas

Workplace learning and innovation go hand-in-hand as acquiring new skills unveils brand-new points-of-view. Such interaction encourages employees to think ‘out-of-the-box’ and come up with innovative solutions to everyday challenges. A role-playing based Customer service training session helps participants get an alternative perspective on how to tackle upset customers.

• Transforms the Workplace into a Place of Learning

Continuous learning is much more than introducing new policies and procedures. It involves constant effort from employers, supervisors, and employees to build a culture that places learning at the forefront. The transformative learning culture fosters an environment of inquiry and knowledge-sharing.

The Way Forward

To make sure that training results in skills development, organizations need to implement personalized, continuous trainings. Repetitive learning will ensure application of an enhanced skill in the appropriate circumstances.

• Spaced Learning

Repetitive trainings utilize the spaced learning effect to support skill retention. Spaced learning is all about reshaping the “Forgetting Curve” by breaking down training session into micro-learning moments. It allows trainers to present the learning message in new and interesting ways to encourage retention.

• Retrieval-based training

Retrieval-based training is an effective means of achieving meaningful learning. Studies have shown that trainees are better able to retrieve information if it is tied to a specific context. This can be achieved by incorporating simulations, role-playing and real-world scenarios in the training sessions.

• Gamification

Experiential learning through a game-like approach helps participants overcome the forgetting curve. Gamification takes the mechanics of games to effectively impart knowledge. This technique allows trainees to freely interact with one another and this engagement ultimately results in greater retention of knowledge

• Natural Concentration Span

To avoid the “overload and overwhelm” effect, the trainer needs to breakdown the monotony. One way to do that is by delivering key learning concepts in brief, 5 to 10-minute bursts.

When an organization spends continually on in-house employee development, it usually results in increased loyalty and satisfaction. The more engaged and satisfied the employees are, the more productive and inventive the organization is likely to be.