High Learning retention is the ability of a learner to transfer information to long-term memory to aid easy recall. This is possible when learning styles and teaching methods are strategic and intentional.
Structuring Learning is important for a visible or mental change in behaviour. A learner needs a teacher or tutor to achieve this process. Hence, teachers must devise various teaching methods and strategies to enhance learning performance.
Since children learn differently, it’s important to structure learning to meet the individual needs of the learners.
High retention can be possible when learning is structured and pattern according to individual needs.
In this article we will review how to structure learning for high retention.
To retain what has been learnt leads to a change in behaviour.
These changes in behaviour can be seen basically on the aspect of knowledge application.
Ways to Achieve High Learning Retention
Here are four ways to help students retain what has been taught;
Connection
You can connect with learners to get them to Learn, and continue learning. Connection for learning is beyond curriculum. Children learn when they understand your language. Think and speak like your learners would do.
Connection is part of social emotional learning. Through connection you are able to dig into the minds of learners. These can be achieved in a number of ways;
Connection based on background
Connection based on their learning styles
Connection based on their individual perspectives and experiences.
How to Connect with Learners
- Connect with them on the basis of their background.
When you understand and relate with learners by considering where they’re coming from, then you will be able to get them to learn. Environment impacts learners in so many ways, such that it can slow down or foster learning.
Backgrounds may include;
Learners birth positions
Learners family norms and values etc
The ability of teachers to get learners to learn based on their individual background can increase learning retention.
- To connect with learners, you need to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Every individual is unique based on their individual personalities, these personalities or temperament comes with its strengths and weaknesses. When teachers understand the strengths and weaknesses of their learners they’re able to deploy teaching methods and learning styles that meet their needs. These processes help to retain high knowledge.
- Connect with learners based on individual perspectives and experiences.
Experiences shape our perspectives about things around us. These experiences shape the behaviour of individuals. Behavioral changes are signs that learning has taken place.
So, to help Children retain learning, delve into their experiences. Learn how much they already know and build up on it. This way teaching and learning engagement are high and retention is guaranteed.
Understand Learning Styles
To successfully structure learning, get acquainted with individual learning styles. Learning Styles are what makes learning unique to learners individually.
It helps improve learning engagement and interest. High memory retention can be attained when you’re able to figure out each child’s learning style.
While learning styles can be different for learners, it’s necessary to vary teaching methods, as certain learners can learn subject matters differently.
For instance; a visual learner could understand politics through the role play teaching methods.
However, for some teachers this method of teaching could impact only the kinesthetic learners.
These learning styles include;
Visual learning style
Auditory learning style
Kinesthetic learning styles
Reading and Writing or Literary learning styles
Improve the Learning environment of Children.
A conducive learning environment improves the overall learning experiences of learners. These environments include both the physical and social environment.
A child learns and would retain a higher percentage of what has been taught when his mind is at rest. Relationship Involvement from both family and friends can distort the learning process.
A peaceful home will birth a calm and receptive mind which is ready to learn.
A physical environment with zero distractions will improve high retention in learning.
Incorporate activities
Children have the ability to retain more based on the level of learning engagement they’ve experienced. For high retention, ensure that teaching methods and strategies are spiced with various learning activities.
These activities must be differentiated to meet the personalities of individual learners, in order to eliminate boredom.
Depending on the age of learners, exposure to learning activities that develop skills such as
Critical Thinking skills,
Problem solving skills,
Social skills,
Communication skills would encourage high retention in learning.
Importance of High Learning Retention
- Children are able to recall concepts taught.
- Academic success and improvement is guaranteed.
- High grades in examinations and assessments can be achieved when children are able to retain information.
- High Learning Retention fosters critical thinking skills in children.
- Learners are able to make decisions independently when information stored in long term memory can be retrieved.
- Ability to report what has been learned improves learners’ self esteem in academics.
- High Learning Retention makes classroom teaching engaging.
- Independent learners are able to track their learning progress.
- Increased learning retention makes children interested in learning.
- Teachers are able to structure learning when children are able to retain more.
Read: Successful Strategies for Developing Children’s Academic Self-Esteem
Finally, high Learning retention is achievable with the right teaching methods, tools and strategies.
