- Video Learning
The Science of Learning Retention and How to Overcome It with Video-Based Learning
Learning is at the heart of what drives progress—whether in educational institutions or across workplace settings. But what happens to all the effort we put into training, educating, and sharing knowledge? If statistics on learning retention are to be believed, the answer can be disheartening. Research demonstrates that learners forget about 50% of new information within an hour, 70% within a day, and 90% within a week. Known as the Forgetting Curve, this phenomenon poses a significant challenge for educators and organizations alike.
At Panopto, we believe that learning retention shouldn’t be a roadblock—it should be an expectation of knowledge sharing done well. By leveraging advanced video-based learning solutions, we help organizations and educators create content that sticks. But first, it’s essential to understand the science behind learning and memory, as well as the strategies that can ensure learners retain and apply what they’ve learned.
Understanding the Forgetting Curve
The Forgetting Curve, first discovered by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, illustrates how quickly newly acquired knowledge fades if it isn’t reinforced. Imagine a steep slide where memory retention falls more sharply the farther we get from the learning event. This effect happens because our brains naturally prioritize information based on relevance or repetition.
However, the news isn’t all bad. Research shows that repetition and re-exposure can dramatically flatten the curve. When learners revisit material at spaced intervals, their ability to retain knowledge strengthens. For example, think about a tune like “Baby Shark” that’s been ingrained through endless repetition—you likely won’t forget it anytime soon.
By integrating these principles of science into educational design, it’s possible to make knowledge not just memorable but actionable, helping individuals move information from short-term to long-term memory.
Practical Strategies to Boost Retention
Moving beyond theory, here are some practical ways to address learning retention challenges, with a specific focus on how Panopto’s video solutions can help.
1. Chunk Content into Bite-Sized Pieces
Breaking down material into smaller, topic-specific components keeps learners engaged and reduces cognitive overload. Panopto allows educators and trainers to create short, focused video segments that learners can revisit as needed. These “microlearning” modules make it easier to absorb and retain specific ideas or skills.
2. Use Spaced Repetition
Rather than overwhelming learners with a one-time information dump, spaced repetition gives them multiple opportunities to encounter and practice content over time. With Panopto, organizations can design video playlists or timed follow-ups to refresh learners’ knowledge at optimal intervals. Through regular intervals, learners are better equipped to move information into long-term memory.
3. Personalize the Learning Experience
Not everyone learns the same way—and that’s okay. Panopto’s platform enables the use of varied formats, from visual illustrations to audio podcasts, so learners can engage with material in their preferred way. By combining modalities, trainers, and educators can connect with a diverse audience and drive stronger retention outcomes.
4. Enhance Retention with Emotion and Stories
Stories are scientifically proven to help us learn because they engage emotions and create relatable contexts around the information presented. Multimedia storytelling in Panopto videos can captivate learners, making abstract or complex concepts easier to grasp and remember.
5. Gamification
Gamified elements—like quizzes, badges, or leaderboards—motivate learners and reinforce lessons in a highly interactive way. Panopto enables the integration of short, engaging assessments within its platform, making it easy to track progress and re-engage learners who may need additional support.
6. On-Demand Learning Tools
Often, learners forget content simply because it isn’t immediately applied. By providing easily accessible, on-demand learning resources—such as searchable video libraries or refresher guides—learners can retrieve crucial knowledge when they need it most. Panopto excels in helping organizations build this kind of knowledge repository, ensuring learning happens seamlessly, even in the flow of work.
How Panopto Enhances Learning Retention
At Panopto, we understand that learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why our video-based solutions are designed to empower educators, trainers, and organizations to create meaningful learning experiences.
By addressing core retention challenges like cognitive overload, lack of reinforcement, and learner disengagement, Panopto enables you to deliver content that truly resonates. From helping universities create lecture recordings that students can rewatch, to assisting corporations with delivering scalable, impactful employee training, we’re here to make learning retention a reachable goal.
Our AI-powered tools, integration capabilities (including Microsoft 365 Copilot), and customizable video features provide all the resources needed to turn learning into lasting impact—whether in a classroom or a boardroom.
The Future of Learning, Retained
Retention is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to rethink how we approach education and development. By aligning with the latest research on learning and memory—and leveraging technologies like Panopto—educators and organizations can rise above the Forgetting Curve and ensure knowledge is more than just fleeting.
Interested in how Panopto can help you optimize learning retention in your organization or institution? Request a demo today.
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