Making Learning Stick

One of the most common fears that face learners during a training course is forgetting what skills they have learnt. Memory is integral when it comes to learning, and sometimes the things you listen to go into one ear and out of the other, so how do you make learning stick?

Train The Memory

Creating a few memory exercises before and after the training session is a great way to keep employees focused on the course. There are a variety of ways you can do this:

• Create a quiz at the end of the course, which focuses on everything taught during that training session.
• Use repetition with unfamiliar words, which are related to the course subject.
• Create a glossary of keywords and their definitions at the end of the training course.
• Encourage classes to work in small groups. This activity will help others to learn from each other and remember key parts of the training session.
• Create some questions at the start of each course to keep your learners focused.
• Create a course schedule to help learners remember what they will be learning.

Create Personalised Content

All learners take in information at different times. Make sure that you keep the training process as personalised as possible so that the learner has the confidence to ask questions if they need anything.

Build on Scaffolded Learning

In education “Scaffolding” refers to using a variety of training techniques used to encourage learners to meet the learning objectives of the lesson. Structuring this into smaller and more digestible sections can help colleagues understand the techniques during the course.

Creating a lesson guide can also help plan the structure of the course so that the trainer and their learners can understand what is happening.

Be Creative With Content

Everyone learns in different ways. Creating different varieties of content can help employees take in information more easily.

Content For Visual Learners

Some employees prefer to see visual content to help them learn something new. Creating charts, graphics, and graphs can help them understand the methodologies used during the course.

Content For Auditory Learners

Other learners prefer to listen to information rather than seeing it. These types of learners like to recite content out loud to help remember it. To help encourage this learning style, give your employees the chance to repeat your points back to you by asking questions and calling for answers.

Content For Reading / Writing Learners

These learners learn best when reading and writing information onto a book or electronic device. To help make your information stick, create written quizzes and present information with annotated handouts.

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners are people who like a more “hands-on” approach to learning. It is a lot easier to apply in groups but encouraging your learners to move around with some practical exercises can be hugely beneficial (and can also wake them up after sitting down for a while!).

Create A Calm Learning Environment

A tidy desk equals a tidy mind. Encourage your employees to clear the clutter to avoid any distractions. There are many other ways to create a more inspiring learning environment:

• Bring your workspace to life with plants and trees. Introducing greenery can also help circulate the oxygen in the room.
• Think about the colours that make you feel calm and relaxed and use them creatively in your workspace.
• If you are training from home and have a spare guest bedroom, create it into your new learning space. Using this room will help avoid any distractions from learning in other spaces such as the kitchen or living area.
• Try to store documents away from your work surface when possible. Keeping your work area neat and tidy will also help keep the creative juices flowing.
• Make sure that you feel comfortable when learning. Check the height of your seat, computer screen, and desk so that you feel satisfied with the environment you are working in.

Discover New Training Resources

Here at TalenTeam, we understand how challenging it is to find the resources for your training requirements. To help support these needs, we have partnered up with GO1 to develop a tool, which integrates the “world’s largest marketplace of learning” to SAP SuccessFactors.

With GO1 Premium, you’ll have unlimited access to a growing library containing thousands of eLearning resources, from top training providers around the world.

If you are interested in integrating GO1 Premium with SAP SuccessFactors, book a free demo, or contact us on info@talenteam.com.