Combatting the Forgetting Curve: Training Strategies

Forget Less, Learn More: Strategies to Combat the
Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve
The Forgetting Curve and Its Relevance for Trainers: How to
Combat Knowledge Decay

In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, training is essential to
keep employees equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.
However, no matter how engaging a training session is, much of the
learned information fades away over time. This phenomenon is
explained by the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve, which highlights
how memory retention declines unless learning is reinforced.
For trainers, understanding the Forgetting Curve is crucial for
designing effective learning programs that ensure long-term
knowledge retention. This article explores the science behind the
Forgetting Curve, its impact on corporate training, and proven
strategies to combat it.
What is the Forgetting Curve?
The Forgetting Curve, developed by German psychologist
Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century, illustrates how
newly acquired information is quickly forgotten if not reinforced.
According to his research, learners forget about 50% of what they
learn within an hour, 70% within a day, and up to 90%
within a week unless the information is reviewed.
Ebbinghaus discovered that memory loss follows an exponential
decline, meaning most information disappears rapidly at first before

stabilizing. However, strategic reinforcement can help counteract
this decline and improve long-term retention.
Key Factors Influencing the Forgetting Curve
Several factors determine how quickly information is forgotten:
1. Complexity of Information — Difficult or unfamiliar
concepts are harder to retain.
2. Relevance to the Learner — Information that aligns with
a learner’s job role or interests is more likely to be
remembered.
3. Initial Learning Quality — Poorly structured training
leads to faster forgetting.
4. Time Between Reviews — Frequent reinforcement slows
down memory decay.
5. Emotional Connection — Engaging content with
real-world applications helps retention.
Why the Forgetting Curve Matters for Trainers
For corporate trainers and L&D (Learning and Development)
professionals, the Forgetting Curve presents a major challenge. If

employees quickly forget training content, it reduces productivity,
increases errors, and leads to wasted training investments.
Common Training Pitfalls That Lead to Forgetting
● One-Time Training Events — A single training session
without follow-up reinforcement leads to rapid knowledge
loss.
● Information Overload — Employees bombarded with too
much information at once struggle to retain key concepts.
● Lack of Engagement — Passive learning methods (like
lengthy lectures or dense PDFs) fail to make content
memorable.
● Absence of Real-World Application — Learners forget
theoretical knowledge if they don’t apply it in practical
scenarios.
Trainers must adopt a strategic approach to combat the
Forgetting Curve and ensure long-term knowledge retention.
How to Overcome the Forgetting Curve in Corporate
Training

1. Spaced Repetition: Reinforce Learning Over Time
Spaced repetition is one of the most effective ways to combat
forgetting. Instead of cramming all information into a single session,
training content should be reinforced at intervals — for example,
after a day, a week, and a month.
How to Implement It:
● Use a microlearning platform like MaxLearn that
delivers bite-sized training content at scheduled intervals.
● Implement quizzes and follow-up assessments at
spaced intervals to reinforce key concepts.
● Leverage AI-driven learning platforms that personalize
reinforcement based on individual learner progress.
2. Microlearning: Deliver Training in Small, Digestible
Chunks
Microlearning platform breaks training into short, focused
lessons that are easier to retain. Studies show that learners absorb
and remember information better when presented in bite-sized
formats.