If we revisit that information,<\/strong> truly understand how to apply it, and reinforce it, then that information gets moved to the long-term memory filing cabinet.<\/strong><\/p>\n If we fail to revisit, apply and reinforce the knowledge we\u2019ve learned, then after a while we clear it from the temporary cabinet altogether, to make room for new learnings.<\/p>\n In order to ensure that we\u2019re storing the most important knowledge in our long-term memory, we need to practice spaced learning.<\/strong> This approach takes place gradually over time and is characterized by:<\/p>\n Think of the spaced learning method as training for a marathon. To run a marathon, the athlete must become \u2018running fit\u2019. To build endurance, sports scientists often advise a program where the athlete runs for 20 minutes, walks for 20 minutes. Then a week later, they might run for 25 minutes and walk for 15. Until eventually they are running the full distance.<\/p>\n Our brain, too, behaves like a muscle – because it can train to improve its cognitive functioning.<\/strong> Spaced learning is endurance training for the brain! So just like training for a marathon, training for knowledge retention requires regular rest periods until we\u2019ve mastered the newly acquired knowledge.<\/p>\n In fact, you might want to take a short break right now? Maybe go for a quick run?<\/p>\n Now, spaced learning might sound like a slower process than some of the more conventional approaches (like a full-day training course). But spaced learning can be super effective, and offers plenty of benefits.<\/p>\n Spaced learning…<\/p>\n Working and learning at the same time is no easy feat. If employees are challenged in their daily work, then adding training to the mix creates something of a heavy load on the mind. And if their minds are tired, then their chances of learning, understanding, absorbing and recalling new knowledge become slim.<\/strong><\/p>\n And what\u2019s the point of investing time and resources into training programs, if employees are unlikely to recall that information in their daily work?<\/p>\n This is why spaced learning activities are separated by breaks<\/strong> \u2013 mental vacations for the mind to think about something else, or nothing else. This way, the brain has less of a load to carry at any given time. So employees feel reduced mental exhaustion and are more likely to assimilate the information they\u2019re learning when they\u2019re learning it.<\/strong> They\u2019ll have more mental energy for the daily challenge presented by work, too.<\/p>\n Spaced learning is all about beating the forgetting curve<\/a><\/strong>, i.e. our natural human tendency to forget information over a period of time.<\/p>\n Through the use of bite-sized chunks of content<\/strong><\/a>, presented in different ways, repeatedly over time, learners are more likely to absorb and understand new information. And the better their understanding, the more likely they are to recall that information at a later stage.<\/p>\n This, in turn, improves their ability to draw on important skills and knowledge when they need it most, in the real world!<\/p>\n Engaging learners in realistic application and practice of new knowledge is key to spaced learning.<\/strong> Opportunities for application<\/strong><\/a>, such as role-plays in workshops and simulations in eLearning courses, are used to link knowledge to real situations in the work world. Furthermore, by allowing employees to practice what they\u2019ve learned on-the-job, knowledge is more firmly engrained in their memory.<\/p>\n Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n This means that when employees come across situations in the future, after training has been concluded<\/strong>, they\u2019re able to draw on the most relevant and applicable knowledge, and ultimately, to be more productive and effective in their role<\/strong>. This, in turn, adds value to the business.<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard not to be excited about spaced learning once you\u2019ve heard the benefits. So let\u2019s talk about how to work this unforgettable technique into eLearning courses.<\/p>\n Despite its large-sized advantages, implementing spaced learning activities in training requires relatively small steps. Here\u2019s the \u2018how to\u2019 on spaced eLearning.<\/p>\n First off, you need to get the structure of your eLearning course right.<\/strong> The generic structure for the spaced learning technique is to present one learning activity of up to five minutes, followed by a ten-minute break. Then repeat two times.<\/p>\n Take, for example, a 5-minute video, interrupted by a ten-minute break, continued for 5 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break, and then completed with a list of multiple-choice questions based on the video content.<\/p>\n But while the structure of learning, rest, learn, rest, learn is widely applicable, the time intervals should be tailored to learning needs, content, and audience<\/strong><\/a>. Activities on more complex information usually need to exceed 5 minutes, and may also require lengthier breaks.<\/strong><\/p>\n Likewise, adults may cope with better with longer activities than children. So, get the structure right. Right for spaced learning, and right for your training needs<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Because spaced learning is big on repetition for retention, spaced eLearning requires that information related to core learning outcomes be repeated frequently.<\/strong> More complex information may need to be repeated more frequently than simple information.<\/p>\n But repetition alone is not enough. Because watching the same video, even an interesting one, again, and again and again, will undoubtedly become a boring task. This is why the information should be repeated in new, creative ways, each and every time.<\/strong><\/p>\n Luckily, a good learning management system will offer a delicious array of features<\/strong><\/a> that lend themselves to creative repetition. Videos, infographics, simulations, notes, quizzes and other exciting features make this step towards spaced learning rather a fun one.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Spaced](\"https:\/\/www.talentlms.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/unnamed-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMemorable Benefits of the Spaced Learning Technique<\/h2>\n
Takes the Load Off<\/h3>\n
Improves Retention and Recall<\/h3>\n
Connects to the Real-world<\/h3>\n
Incorporating Spaced Learning Activities into Training<\/h2>\n
Get the Structure Right<\/h3>\n
Build in Creative Repetition<\/h3>\n
Create Opportunities for Real-world Application<\/h4>\n