Retention in simple terms is the process by which new information is transferred from our short-term memory to long-term memory just like making a new knowledge stick. Did you know? About 70% of any new information is lost within 24 hours if we do not make an effort to retain it. In order to excel in any field whether you are studying, running a business or working as an employee, having a good recall memory is a must. For a good memory, not only a good diet and meditation for a healthy brain is required but also a set of techniques to help retain.
Memory is the part of the central nervous system of the human brain and has three different classifications: short-term, long-term and sensory memory. All the three types of memory have specific, different functions but each one is equally important for the memory process. Sensory information is transformed and encoded in a certain way in the brain, which forms a memory representation. This unique coding of information creates a memory. Processes of memory and learning are much interconnected and are often considered as the same. Psychologists have determined these as two distinct processes.
Learning can be defined as the acquisition of knowledge gained through experience or studying, which can modify behaviour. Memory is essential for learning new information, as it functions as a site for storage and retrieval of learned knowledge. There are many ways of retaining information in memory. Here are some of the tips and knowledge retention techniques we can build into our learning programme that can ensure the content we study is not just memorable, but unforgettable.
Reading less, grasping more
A major cause of having poor knowledge retention ability after reading any matter is having too much information to absorb. The effective learning process should follow the rule that less is more. So in such cases try to make bite-sized learning goals, ones that are highly focused on a clearly defined outcome.
Story format
One of the great ways to improve our knowledge retention statistics is to exploit the fact that we remember things better when we are emotionally connected to the things being learned and a great way to create that link is by storytelling. But how? To create a narrative, with situations and characters that students can relate to, it helps to get across key learning objectives in engaging and easy-to-absorb ways. Never get too carried away and end up creating an over-complex story. It’s easy to get carried away with too-detailed narrative and forget about the learning objectives.
Apply learning in real world
The more complex a concept is, the harder it is to be kept in mind. This is because we find it difficult to memorise things that seem to be unrelated or irrelevant to our surroundings or requirements. So it’s useful to create learning units that are directly applicable to our lives. This can also be fulfilled by creating active participation of learners to discover the usefulness of the concepts that they are studying for themselves.
Repeat to retain
Another simple trick to boost learning retention in a way is through good, old fashioned repetition. This might sound boring, but that’s how one can get learners to reiterate which is important. The old saying that practice makes a man perfect needs to be taken seriously, repeating new knowledge or tasks is crucial in allowing the information to move into a learner’s longterm memory. This doesn’t mean to write the same thing 10 times. Repetition can be achieved using techniques such as simulations and role-playing or having regular refresher units. Learners should get a real feel of different skills can come together to address a situation
Examine, quiz, ask
One of the simplest knowledge retention techniques is to incorporate a quiz in the learning content. It helps to keep the learner’s track of progress and lets them see what they have learned and retained. It also provides the mentor with the data about how effective their learning module is, and to keep a check if it needs any improvement. A final test is never enough, to maximize learning retention, one should again follow the rule that less is more and test more often and after each module or unit they study. In this way, one is able to test more tightly defined learning objectives and the learners will find it easier to focus and remember the specified material rather than a whole complex thing.
The author is the Principal of Jindal Public School, Delhi.
