Over the last few years, one thing that successful organizations have been consistently doing is focusing on training knowledge retention. Research has proved that over 80% of what has been learned in a training program might get forgotten in 10-15 days. Often, companies invest in training room rental, experienced trainers, and effective material, but underestimate designing them for knowledge retention. Here are a few techniques, implementing which can help you make your program enjoyable, engaging, and memorable.

Construct training material using narratives

Humans are genetically compelled to pay attention to and retain stories. All the information available for common consumption is stored in people’s minds in the form of narratives. That is why it is such a good idea to pass on corporate training by designing material using narratives. This can be done by having the coaches narrate personal anecdotes and industry-specific precedents. You can also consider playing short clips of the same and hanging posters on walls.

Help them focus by hiring the right facility

Training can very quickly become monotonous and breed boredom in the training hall. This needn’t necessarily be the fault of your course material or the trainer. Training venues that are comfortable can help employees focus and thereby retain what has been learnt. Make sure that you have easy access to washrooms and water coolers so that attendees aren’t distracted. If you are conducting the training for long hours, it is important to have air conditioning and food stalls. When you rent a classroom, provide commute or ensure easy accessibility.

Train them by intervals and repetition

Traditional employee training expects employees to retain huge amounts of information. This is unfair, since the mind needs repetition over a period of time to remember things. Instead, use spaced repetition to exploit the brain’s capacity for remembering things that have been told multiple times. This helps in retaining information over longer periods of time and helps every learner stay on track. Trainers can set up modules for spaced repetition manually or use software for the same. This technique scientifically trains the brain to memorize information quickly.

Provide opportunities for application

Ask your training room rental company to provide 24/7 internet connectivity and sufficient electrical outlets. Platforms for virtual simulation offer challenges that are similar to real-life situations and help trainees apply their training to them. Simulations work because they are stress-free and trainees can apply training takeaways without worrying about criticism. Knowledge retention can also be brought about having trainees that have undergone the program once, pass on their learning outcomes to fresh trainee batches.

Leverage technology and online resources

Before you rent classroom, make sure it has facilities for using audio-visual aids. Trainers will need to screen clips and give presentations to make training material engaging. Intranet sites help training coordinators share or post important information for trainees to access. Organizations should also create online databases for learners to find information after the training. You can also use social networking to help employees stay abreast of each other’s progress.