Since that’s the case, understanding and remembering everything they learned may be a bit challenging for the learners. That’s just the fact, as the human brain isn’t designed to retain information once after learning. Instead, the brain needs time, repetition, and better effective study skills to be able to retain information better. One of the most effective study strategies for learners is spaced learning.
Spaced learning is a learning approach that allows learners to get access to information on bite sizes. Yes, the learning process involves breaking down a long eLearning course into several different sessions with the inclusion breaks in them.
What exactly is spaced learning? What is the best way to implement this into your training program? What are the advantages of implementing this technique into your training program? These and more are the frequently asked questions you’ll find answers to as you read through the rest of this article. So, without further ado, let us get straight down to business.
What is spaced learning and what does it include?
According to a study by Robert Bruner of the University of Virginia, it says that repetition is the first principle of all learning. The importance of repetition cannot be overstressed when it comes to teaching learners and helping them improve their retention abilities.
Well, spaced learning is based on the theory that says “repetition is the first principle of all learning.” The best way to enhance training for learners is to ensure the lessons are repeated after a certain period. That said, it can be defined as the learning process that works on the principle that information can be better retained when it’s split into short sessions and repeated several times. Of course, the best way to do this is to ensure there’s a break between the repetitions.
Furthermore, according to a study by Jeffrey Karpicke, it says that active retrieval helps to promote meaningful learning. Having read through the research paper, which dated as far back as 2012, Karpicke concluded that there’s always a quick loss in human memory if the information is not reviewed. This is exactly where the importance of spaced learning comes into the scene.
Why does it matter in eLearning?
Now that you’ve gotten a clear picture of what spaced learning is all about, here’s a burning question, why does “spaced learning” matter in eLearning? Let me quickly rephrase the question; what are the benefits attached to using the learning approach in your training program?
Spaced learning offers tons of amazing benefits for learners and organizations that implement them. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider the learning style in your training program:
● The very first reason I’ll advise you to consider the learning style in your training program is that it’ll help you improve learning. However, this is only true when you implement this strategy the right way. For you to do that the right way, you need to break your long course into short sessions and repeat them multiple times. Also, ensure that you space the repetition to help boost your learners’ retention abilities.
● Another great benefit of spaced learning is that it helps to reduce cognitive load. Here’s the thing; learners often get too much information to learn every day. That’s cognitive load and it’s not a good thing for learners. In a way to help your learners’ learn better, it’s essential to help them reduce cognitive load, which is what spaced learning is designed to do. It allows the human brain to better assimilate what it has learned over time.
● Another reason why you need to consider spaced learning in your training program is that it helps learners to practice their newly acquired knowledge. In addition to that, it also provides them with realistic application opportunities.
How to best implement spaced learning in your training program
One of the best ways to implement spaced learning in your training program is to combine the learning style with microlearning. Microlearning is a holistic approach that allows organizations to deliver short chunks of content for learners to study at their convenience. As you can see, both learning strategies are closely related.
For you to combine spaced learning with microlearning, you need to put a couple of things into consideration. The first question you need to ask yourself is what type of training are you trying to develop? Is it product training, compliance training, or onboarding your new hires? Knowing exactly the type of spaced learning content you’re trying to create with help you understand how to better combine it with microlearning.
For instance, if it’s product training, the best way to develop the training is to provide short bursts of information to your customers. However, ensure to space out the information over time. For your new hires, the best way to combine spaced learning and microlearning is by ensuring you don’t give them too much information.
Want to know more about our services
