Combating the Forgetting Curve in Training

How the Forgetting Curve Impacts Training — and
What You Can Do About It
The Forgetting Curve and Its Relevance for Trainers
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of corporate training and education, ensuring
long-term knowledge retention is a major challenge. Trainers invest
time and resources into developing courses, but if learners forget most
of the information within days, the effort is wasted. This is where the

Forgetting Curve, a concept introduced by Hermann Ebbinghaus,
becomes crucial for trainers to understand.
The Forgetting Curve illustrates how information is lost over time
when there is no effort to retain it. Without reinforcement, learners
forget nearly 50% of what they learn within an hour and up to
90% within a week. This presents a serious challenge for training
programs, especially in professional settings where knowledge
retention directly impacts performance and compliance.
In this article, we’ll explore the Forgetting Curve, why it matters
for trainers, and how to combat it using modern learning
strategies, particularly microlearning.
Understanding the Forgetting Curve
Hermann Ebbinghaus, a German psychologist, conducted memory
experiments in the late 19th century, leading to the discovery of the
Forgetting Curve. His research revealed that memory retention
declines exponentially over time unless reinforced through strategic
learning techniques.
The curve shows that:
● Memory loss is steepest immediately after learning.
Without reinforcement, most information is forgotten within
hours or days.
● Repetition helps combat forgetting. Reviewing material
at spaced intervals strengthens retention.

● Context and relevance improve memory. Learners
retain information better when it is meaningful and applied
practically.
For trainers, understanding the Forgetting Curve is essential to
designing effective training programs that help learners retain and
apply knowledge rather than forget it.
Why the Forgetting Curve Matters for Trainers
1. Inefficient Training Leads to Wasted Resources
Traditional training methods — such as long lectures, dense
PowerPoint slides, and one-time workshops — often fail to address the
natural process of forgetting. If employees forget most of the material,
the investment in training is lost.
2. Retention Directly Impacts Performance
If employees don’t retain key information, they are less likely to apply
it in their roles. This can lead to compliance issues, safety risks, and
reduced productivity.
3. Learner Engagement is Key

Passive learning (e.g., listening to lectures) does not engage the brain
enough for long-term retention. Training needs to be interactive and
engaging to overcome the Forgetting Curve.
4. Regulatory and Compliance Risks
Industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing require
employees to retain critical information to meet regulatory
requirements. Forgetting key details can lead to compliance violations
and legal risks.
Given these challenges, trainers must adopt learning strategies that
actively combat the Forgetting Curve and improve retention.
Strategies to Combat the Forgetting Curve
1. Microlearning: Small Bites, Big Impact
Microlearning delivers training in short, focused modules that are
easier to absorb and recall. Instead of overwhelming learners with
lengthy sessions, microlearning breaks information into 2–5 minute
lessons that fit into the flow of work.
● Why it works: Learners retain information better when it’s
delivered in small, digestible chunks rather than long
sessions.

● Example: Instead of a one-hour compliance training, deliver
key policies in 5-minute microlearning modules spread
across a few days.
2. Spaced Repetition: Reinforce Learning Over Time
Spaced repetition involves reviewing information at increasing
intervals to strengthen memory. Research shows that revisiting
key concepts over days or weeks significantly improves retention.
● Why it works: Reinforcement signals to the brain that the
information is important, making it easier to recall.
● Example: Employees complete a cybersecurity training
module, then receive follow-up quizzes and reminders
over several weeks to reinforce key concepts.
3. Gamification: Making Learning Engaging
Gamification integrates game-like elements such as points,
leaderboards, badges, and challenges to make training more
engaging.
● Why it works: Engagement increases motivation, which
enhances learning and retention.
● Example: A sales training program includes interactive
challenges where employees compete in a quiz to reinforce
product knowledge.