Forgetting Curve: Design High-Impact Learning Journeys

Using the Forgetting Curve to Design
High-Impact Learning Journeys
The Forgetting Curve and Its Relevance for Trainers
In the world of learning and development, few concepts are as
important yet underutilized as the Forgetting Curve. Originally
introduced by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late
19th century, the Forgetting Curve illustrates how quickly information
is lost when there is no attempt to retain it. For trainers, educators,
and L&D professionals, understanding this curve — and how to

combat it — can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of training
programs.
What Is the Forgetting Curve?
The Forgetting Curve is a visual representation of how memory
retention declines over time. Ebbinghaus demonstrated that learners
forget nearly 50% of new information within an hour, 70%
within 24 hours, and up to 90% within a week if no effort is made
to reinforce the learning. This steep drop in knowledge retention is
driven by the brain’s tendency to discard information it deems
non-essential.
Ebbinghaus’ work wasn’t just theoretical. It was based on meticulous
experiments in which he memorized lists of meaningless syllables and
tested his recall at various intervals. What he discovered became
foundational to the study of memory and remains highly relevant in
modern instructional design.
Why the Forgetting Curve Matters for Trainers
For trainers, the implications are clear: traditional training
methods are not enough. Whether you’re delivering classroom
training, virtual sessions, or eLearning modules, one-time exposure to

information will not lead to long-term retention. This is especially
critical in corporate environments where training is tied to
performance, compliance, and business outcomes.
When employees forget what they’ve learned, organizations face
increased risk, reduced productivity, and the need for costly
retraining. Understanding and addressing the Forgetting Curve
allows trainers to design more effective, engaging, and impactful
programs that deliver sustained behavior change.
Key Factors That Influence Forgetting
Several variables affect the rate at which we forget:
● The complexity of the material — More complex content
tends to be forgotten more quickly if not reinforced.
● Relevance to the learner — Information that feels
irrelevant or inapplicable is discarded faster.
● Learning conditions — Distractions, fatigue, and poor
delivery methods contribute to faster forgetting.
● Emotional engagement — Learners are more likely to
retain content that evokes an emotional response or connects
to personal experiences.

Recognizing these factors allows trainers to build learning experiences
that are both memorable and meaningful.
Strategies to Overcome the Forgetting Curve
The good news is that the Forgetting Curve can be mitigated through
intentional training design. Here are proven strategies:
1. Spaced Repetition
One of the most effective methods to combat the Forgetting Curve is
spaced repetition — the practice of reviewing information at
increasing intervals over time. This technique reinforces neural
pathways and strengthens memory consolidation.
Modern platforms like MaxLearn leverage AI-powered algorithms to
personalize review schedules for each learner, ensuring that content is
revisited just before it’s likely to be forgotten.
2. Microlearning
Delivering content in bite-sized modules allows learners to absorb
information more easily and revisit it as needed. Microlearning is
especially effective when combined with spaced repetition, enabling

frequent, short bursts of engagement that reinforce key concepts
without overwhelming the learner.
3. Active Recall
Encouraging learners to retrieve information from memory, rather
than passively reviewing it, greatly improves retention. Techniques
such as quizzes, flashcards, and scenario-based questions can enhance
active recall and reduce forgetting.
4. Gamification
Integrating game-like elements into learning — such as points, badges,
leaderboards, and challenges — boosts motivation and engagement.
This emotional connection makes learning more enjoyable and
memorable, increasing the likelihood of long-term retention.
5. Personalization
Generic training content often fails to resonate. By personalizing
learning pathways based on role, skill level, performance, and
preferences, trainers can deliver more relevant content that sticks.
MaxLearn’s adaptive learning engine automatically adjusts content
delivery to meet individual learner needs, ensuring maximum impact.