Maximizing Your Professional Development Budget: Strategies to Combat the Forgetting Curve
Are you frustrated by investing in professional development (PD) initiatives only to witness vital knowledge and skills vanish quicker than a MAFS romance? As custodians of PD budgets, we're acutely aware of the challenge posed by the forgetting curve—the swift decline in retention of training information over time. But there are work-arounds! In this article, we'll unveil strategies to combat the forgetting curve and redefine how you optimise your PD budget.
The forgetting curve is a common obstacle in traditional training approaches. First introduced by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, it illustrates the rapid decline in retention of information over time following a learning event. Studies have shown alarming statistics:
Up to 90% of training information is forgotten within a week.
70% is forgotten within 24 hours.
50% is forgotten on the same day of training.
To combat the forgetting curve and maximize the impact of PD investments, consider implementing the following strategies:
Micro-learning: Offer bite-sized chunks of learning, ideally around 10 -20 minutes in duration. However, a single session is not sufficient. Learning needs to be reinforced over time through spaced repetition.
Continuous Learning Trajectory: Create a continuous learning journey comprised of a series of micro-learning sessions. Encourage learners to engage in exercises that promote reflection and application of knowledge in real-world contexts.
Blend Learning Modalities: Provide repetition and variety by blending different learning modalities. Pair micro-learning sessions with group discussions, group coaching, and case study workshops to enhance engagement and retention.
Tailored Solutions: Ensure that PD solutions are specifically tailored to the needs of your employees. Off-the-shelf solutions may not effectively address the unique challenges, requirements and aspirations of your organisation effeciently.
Effectively managing your PD budget requires strategic planning and consideration of the challenges posed by the forgetting curve. By implementing strategies such as micro-learning, continuous learning trajectories, blended learning modalities, and tailored solutions, you can optimise your PD investments and drive meaningful outcomes for your organisation.
If you're interested in learning more about how our tailored PD solutions can help maximize the impact of your budget, please don't hesitate to contact us.
