After much research, Gilbane’s Business Consulting Group discovered some useful facts about learners’ retention rates and preferred ways of consuming training:
- Most people retain only 50% of a presentation just an hour after it’s given, and only 20% just two days later. However, when you provide a context for that information – e.g. by having them actually practice what they are learning – retention rates improve dramatically.
- Considering the “forgetting curve”and the need for reinforcement of concepts can help trainers deliver content that will have the highest impact.
- It’s important to consider how various segments of the workforce prefer to be trained.
The most prevalent environmental distractions that make focusing on learning challenging are phone, text and email notifications that come through on average every three minutes. One method to help minimize these distractions and capture a learner’s attention is through visual training, which can also help bridge any generational gaps.
Additional knowledge was garnered from Elliott Masie – founder of the MASIE Center for Learning, and an expert in corporate learning and organizational performance – who shared some of his insights with our Gilbane University team last year. Masie said that we need to develop and adapt to a reality where the modern learner needs help not in learning, but in optimizing learning and being prompted about what they learned when they are back on the job. Other important findings include:
- Learners want to engage with other workers, and for complex new tasks practice or use simulation before using in real-life situations.
- Learners also prefer watching a video over reading a PDF, though information at the point of need trumps format.
Whether you are looking to implement new processes or keep employees trained on new tools, consider the multitude of methods available to provide the guidance they need to excel. Offering a wide variety of options such as a webinar series, user guides, video library, virtual instructor-led trainings, and ongoing coaching will give teams the best chance of success.
