5 Strategies for Developing Learning Experiences that Promote Learning Retention

Learning retention is essential for reaching your training and organizational goals. It ensures that acquired knowledge and skills are not only understood in the moment, but also retained for future application and continuous growth. Here are 5 strategies, based on the findings of learning researcher Dr. David Merrill, for creating highly engaging, effective, and impactful learning experiences that promote learning retention:

1. Make Learning Experiences Task-Centered

Content should be presented in the context of how it will be used to solve a real-word problem or perform a specific task.

Example

For sales training, instead of only presenting product features, simulate real sales scenarios where participants must interact with clients and use product features to overcome client objections.

2. Activate Prior Knowledge

Have learners activate their prior knowledge on the subject. This will warm them up to actively engage in discussions and activities.

Example:

In a leadership workshop, start by asking participants to reflect on past leadership experiences and challenges they faced. This primes them to engage actively in discussions and activities.

3. Demonstrate the Task

Demonstrate how to do the task step-by step. Be clear when moving from one step to the other.

Example

In software training, provide step-by-step demonstrations of how to use various features through screencasts or interactive tutorials.

4. Apply New Knowledge

Give learners a supportive environment to apply new knowledge in real-life situations.

Example:

In language learning, after teaching grammar rules, have students engage in role-playing exercises where they apply these rules in conversations.

5. Reflect and Integrate

Allow learners to reflect on their learning experience and how they will use this new knowledge in their everyday lives.

Example:

In a professional development workshop, have learners work in small groups to discuss their learning journey and how they will apply this new knowledge in their everyday lives.

By implementing Merrill’s principle you can create effective learning experiences that resonate with participants and drive meaningful outcomes.

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