#rate of forgetting

[microlearningplatform]

The Science of Forgetting: Why Trainers Must Rethink Learning Strategies

The Forgetting Curve and Its Relevance for Trainers: How to Ensure Long-Term Knowledge Retention

Introduction

Have you ever attended a training session, felt confident about what you learned, and then struggled to recall most of it just days later? This phenomenon is explained by the Forgetting Curve, a concept introduced by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. His research showed that without reinforcement, people forget nearly 50% of newly learned information within an hour and up to 90% within a week.

For trainers, this presents a major challenge. No matter how well-designed a training program is, its effectiveness is limited if learners quickly forget the material. The good news? With the right strategies, trainers can combat the Forgetting Curve and ensure long-term knowledge retention.

This article explores the science behind the Forgetting Curve, its implications for trainers, and proven strategies to make learning stick.

Understanding the Forgetting Curve

What is the Forgetting Curve?

The Forgetting Curve describes how memory retention declines over time without reinforcement. Ebbinghaus conducted experiments where he memorized nonsense syllables and tested his recall over varying time intervals. His results formed a steep, downward-sloping curve, demonstrating rapid forgetting unless information is reviewed periodically.

Key Insights from the Forgetting Curve

Forgetting Happens Fast – Learners forget up to 70% of information within 24 hours of learning if there’s no reinforcement.

Repetition Strengthens Memory – Regular review interrupts forgetting and moves knowledge into long-term memory.

Meaningful Learning Improves Retention – Information that is relevant, contextual, and engaging is remembered better.

Active Recall is More Effective – Actively retrieving information (e.g., quizzes, teaching others) improves memory more than passive review.

These findings highlight the urgent need for trainers to implement strategies that reinforce learning over time.

Why the Forgetting Curve Matters for Trainers

For corporate trainers, L&D professionals, and educators, understanding the Forgetting Curve is critical. If trainees forget most of what they learn, then training programs are failing to create lasting impact.

Common Training Pitfalls That Lead to Forgetting

One-and-Done Training – Single-session workshops without follow-up lead to rapid information loss.

Overloading Learners – Dumping too much content at once overwhelms learners, making retention difficult.

Lack of Reinforcement – Without periodic reviews, knowledge fades quickly from memory.

Passive Learning Methods – Traditional lectures and static e-learning do not engage learners enough for deep retention.

The Cost of Forgetting in Organizations

Reduced Employee Performance – Employees forget essential skills, leading to mistakes and inefficiency.

Compliance Risks – Forgetting critical compliance regulations can result in legal consequences.

Wasted Training Investments – Organizations spend millions on training programs, but without reinforcement, much of that investment is lost to forgetting.

To overcome these challenges, trainers must design learning experiences that actively combat the Forgetting Curve.

How Trainers Can Overcome the Forgetting Curve

1. Use Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to strengthen memory. Instead of cramming, learners revisit key concepts multiple times over days, weeks, or months.

How to Implement Spaced Repetition

Microlearning Modules – Deliver bite-sized lessons with follow-up reinforcement.

Automated Learning Reminders – Use AI-powered learning platforms to schedule personalized review sessions.

Reinforcement Emails & Notifications – Send learners periodic reminders or quizzes.

Example: Instead of a one-time compliance training session, provide weekly microlearning refreshers on key policies.

2. Leverage Microlearning

Microlearning platform delivers small, focused lessons that are easier to digest and remember. Studies show that microlearning can increase retention by up to 50% compared to traditional training.

How Microlearning Helps Combat Forgetting

✅ Short & Focused – Learners absorb one concept at a time, improving retention. ✅ Flexible & On-Demand – Employees can access learning when they need it, reinforcing knowledge in real time. ✅ Engaging Formats – Videos, infographics, quizzes, and interactive lessons enhance engagement.

Example: Instead of a 3-hour training session, break it into 10-minute modules with real-world applications.

3. Implement Active Learning Techniques

Passive learning (reading, watching videos) leads to high forgetting rates. Active learning, which requires learners to engage, recall, and apply knowledge, significantly boosts retention.

Active Learning Strategies for Trainers

Quizzes & Retrieval Practice – Asking learners to recall information improves memory retention.

Scenario-Based Learning – Present real-world problems that require critical thinking and decision-making.

Peer Teaching – Encourage employees to teach concepts to others, reinforcing their understanding.

Gamification – Use leaderboards, challenges, and rewards to make learning engaging.

Example: After a training module on data security, give learners a real-world phishing attack scenario to solve.

4. Use AI-Powered Adaptive Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) can personalize learning paths, ensuring that employees receive reinforcement exactly when they need it. AI analyzes learner performance and automatically adjusts training schedules to prevent forgetting.

How AI Helps Combat Forgetting

🚀 Personalized Reminders – AI identifies knowledge gaps and pushes targeted microlearning content. 🚀 Smart Adaptive Quizzes – AI-driven assessments help learners actively recall weak areas. 🚀 Just-in-Time Learning – Employees can access training at the moment of need for maximum retention.

Example: If an employee struggles with safety protocols, AI sends personalized refresher lessons.

5. Reinforce Learning with Real-World Application

Retention improves when learners apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. Trainers should create opportunities for hands-on practice and real-life implementation.

Ways to Reinforce Learning

On-the-Job Training Assignments – Give employees tasks that require applying new skills.

Role-Playing Exercises – Simulate real situations to deepen understanding.

Follow-Up Discussions & Coaching – Encourage knowledge sharing among peers.

Example: After a leadership training session, assign managers real coaching tasks to apply new skills.

Final Thoughts

The Forgetting Curve poses a significant challenge for trainers, but strategic learning reinforcement can dramatically improve retention. By incorporating spaced repetition, microlearning, active learning, AI-powered tools, and real-world application, trainers can ensure knowledge sticks—leading to more effective training programs and improved workforce performance.

🔹 Key Takeaways for Trainers: ✅ Combat forgetting with spaced learning & microlearning. ✅ Use active learning techniques like quizzes and real-world practice. ✅ Leverage AI-powered learning for personalized reinforcement. ✅ Reinforce learning with on-the-job application.

By shifting from one-time training events to continuous, reinforced learning, trainers can defeat the Forgetting Curve and maximize learning impact.

🚀 Want to improve your training programs? Explore how AI-powered microlearning solutions like MaxLearn can help!

[iridescent-serpent]

Been in a bayverse mood lately (if yall couldn’t Tell), and ended up thinking about how sparklings/baby mechs would work! (Unfortunately I could Not find any online IDW bayverse comics so this is all very speculative/theory for now)

Also shoutout to @orion-archives and their “sentinel is Oppy and megs dad” as I Did feature that here :)!

Plus some of this text post bc it’s canon to me forever and ever

Just some simple doodles, nothing more

[notsofrozt]

Bingliushen fic recs in no particular order (buckle up this is going to be long):

Shen Qingqiu Gets Mad: The Fic by poison_dart_frog (T)

After the destruction of their third house, Shen Qingqiu leaves Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge alone until they get their shit together. Without Shen Qingqiu there, Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge are forced to spend time together, rebuild a house, and (hopefully) win back their husband. Easier said than done when it’s an emotionally constipated war god and crybaby demon lord that is having to get along. (It's more towards the BingLiu side, but a 10/10 regardless)

⚔️

something you don't give much attention by brosnyaa (E)

The one where Liu Qingge actually wins a fight and Luo Binghe ends up getting a little hot for Shishu.

⚔️

Universal Simps by chaoticgoodlawyer (M)

Luo Binghe had been trying to tell his husband something for some time, but Shen Qingqiu just wasn't getting it. The System helps the Protagonist out by forcing Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe, and Liu Qingge into his husband's original world. Hijinks ensue. Moshang are just along for the ride. (In which Shen Qingqiu stops being so oblivious, and Bingqiu gain a boyfriend.)

⚔️

something 'bout tonight feels meant to be by lavenderandrue (T)

one time at a party i kissed someone's girlfriendboyfriend and to make sure he wasn't mad about it i just kissed him too... i blacked out and woke up to a text in a groupchat with both of them that said "did u make it home safe baby? <3"

⚔️

I Dream You’re Still Breathing (don’t wake me up) by PeerlessCourgette (marimorimo), scholomancefan (E)

When he’d awoken in the Sun and Moon Dew Mushroom body, Shen Qingqiu had intended to get as far away as possible from everyone in his past; especially Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge. Instead he found himself a helpless bystander to the fight between them. But when Liu Qingge is hurt–seriously hurt–Shen Qingqiu knows leaving is no longer an option.

⚔️

to light the hearth by lemonlight (E)

Liu Qingge said something he's always intended to keep private. Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu show him - thoroughly - that his feelings are not as unreciprocated as he thinks.

⚔️

Putting the 'Hit' in 'Hit On' by Prudabaga (E)

In which Luo Binghe unknowingly engages in demonic flirtation with Liu Qingge via punches, and everyone knows about it and is cool with it. Luo Binghe just wishes someone had told him.

⚔️

Today, and every day after by summerdays_winternights (E)

“Junshang, the human that has been courting you for the past seven years with the duels? And by bringing Consort Shen his conquests? He is the one that brought the deer to you, correct?” Luo Binghe nods, still in a daze. “Yes, that’s Liu Shishu.” “Mn,” Mobei-jun nods. “Will you be accepting his courting soon? Qinghua says there are many demons who wish to court him if you two do not accept.” What the fuck? What the fuck? Like hell he’s going to let some trash court Liu Qingge. Wait. Oh.

⚔️

Ship Wars: A New Hope (RPF Edition) by PeerlessCourgette (marimorimo), scholomancefan (E)

A fresh infusion of smut to rival Regret of Chunshan has flooded the jianghu—and for once, it’s not Shen Qingqiu x Luo Binghe! Shen Qingqiu breathes a sigh of relief. But his reprieve is short-lived. What the fuck is “Bingliushen”?!

⚔️

Two PIDW Cosplayers Broke Into My Apartment And Saved My Life but They Hate Each Other and Keep Breaking My Things by Kamaete-(E)

Shen Yuan wakes up, in his apartment, to two impossibly beautiful cosplayers (their special effects look too good to be cosplayers though) fighting (over him? He hopes not. They keep calling him Shen Qingqiu and he's not sure he likes the comparison).

⚔️

A Flaw in the System by CheckersXIV (M)

Shen Yuan has been working in the 99th Precinct for a grand total of three months. He’s pretty certain he deserves an award for being able to adjust to the absolute bullshit that happens here. (A Brooklyn 99 AU, pretty cool)

⚔️

best of both worlds by ChezPillow (PillowLord) (M)

Everyone knows that the singer Zheng Yang uses an alias. Only a select few knows the man behind the music idol. Luo Binghe prefers it that way.

⚔️

In the Pit by ShanBlackRX (E)

When Shen Yuan perked his head up to the raw punk song flooding Liu Qingge’s living room, taking interest in the insane bass line that was playing then, Liu Qingge didn’t expect him to slowly but surely obsess over this band within the subsequent weeks, asking to borrow his albums so he could tear apart their musical skills and start to actively engage in conversations about them with his friend.

Requested by @axxa-the-allikatt, @anonimgato1507, @thischickiswack

[halorvic]

[jayvoltage]

HIGHVOLTAGE !!!!!

I love giving SRJ lots of piercings :3

[satsuha]

i wish i had time to draw <- person who played 3 persona playthroughs back to back

[messangerforthestars]

“We need more morally gray characters” you guys can barely handle topaz and jade.

[microlearningplatform]

The Forgetting Curve in Action: Why Traditional Training Fails and How to Fix It

The Forgetting Curve and Its Relevance for Trainers: How to Maximize Knowledge Retention

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges trainers and learning professionals face is ensuring that employees retain and apply what they learn. The Forgetting Curve, a concept introduced by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, highlights a harsh reality: people forget nearly 50% of newly learned information within an hour and up to 90% within a week if the learning is not reinforced.

This article explores the impact of the Forgetting Curve on corporate training and presents science-backed strategies to help trainers design programs that enhance retention and performance.

Understanding the Forgetting Curve

The Forgetting Curve visually represents the decline of memory retention over time. The steep drop in recall occurs because the brain prioritizes information it deems useful and discards the rest.

Why Does the Forgetting Curve Happen?

🔹 Lack of reinforcement – Without reviewing or applying knowledge, learners forget it quickly. 🔹 Information overload – Employees often receive too much content in a short time, making it difficult to retain. 🔹 Passive learning methods – Traditional lecture-based training lacks engagement, leading to lower retention. 🔹 No real-world application – If employees don’t apply what they learn, the brain doesn’t encode it as important.

The Impact of the Forgetting Curve on Training Programs

For trainers and L&D teams, the Forgetting Curve has serious implications:

🚨 Wasted Training Investment – Organizations spend millions on training programs, but if learners forget most of the content, ROI plummets. 🚨 Decreased Employee Performance – When employees can’t retain critical information, errors increase, and productivity suffers. 🚨 Compliance & Safety Risks – Forgetting key policies and procedures can lead to regulatory violations and safety hazards.

So, How Can Trainers Combat the Forgetting Curve?

To ensure long-term knowledge retention, trainers need to rethink how they deliver learning. The key lies in reinforcement, engagement, and personalization.

5 Proven Strategies to Overcome the Forgetting Curve

1. Implement Microlearning for Continuous Reinforcement

Microlearning—delivering short, focused learning modules—perfectly aligns with how the brain retains information. Instead of overwhelming employees with long training sessions, microlearning delivers content in small, digestible chunks over time.

✅ Why it works: Spaced, bite-sized learning strengthens memory recall and helps employees retain knowledge better. ✅ How to implement:

Use AI-powered microlearning platforms like MaxLearn to break down training into 2-5 minute lessons.

Deliver content in multiple formats, such as short videos, interactive quizzes, and infographics.

Ensure learners revisit key concepts at spaced intervals to reinforce knowledge.

2. Use Spaced Repetition to Strengthen Retention

Spaced repetition is a scientifically proven technique that involves reviewing learning material at increasing intervals over time. This resets the Forgetting Curve, reinforcing memory before it declines.

✅ Why it works: Helps the brain move information from short-term to long-term memory. ✅ How to implement:

Schedule follow-up quizzes at 1 day, 7 days, and 30 days after the initial training.

Use AI-driven adaptive learning to personalize review schedules based on individual performance.

Send automated knowledge reinforcement nudges via mobile apps or email.

3. Make Learning Interactive & Engaging

Active learning significantly improves retention compared to passive learning. Gamification, interactive content, and real-world scenarios keep learners engaged and improve recall.

✅ Why it works: Active participation improves focus, motivation, and knowledge application. ✅ How to implement:

Use gamified learning platforms with quizzes, badges, and leaderboards.

Create scenario-based simulations where employees practice real-world situations.

Encourage peer learning and collaboration through discussion forums or group challenges.

4. Leverage AI-Powered Adaptive Learning

AI-driven learning platforms can analyze learner behavior and deliver personalized reinforcement based on knowledge gaps.

✅ Why it works: AI ensures learners receive targeted support exactly when they need it. ✅ How to implement:

Use an AI-powered LMS like MaxLearn to track learner progress and adjust content dynamically.

Deliver automated quizzes that adapt in difficulty based on the learner’s performance.

Provide AI-driven content recommendations to strengthen weak areas.

5. Integrate Learning into the Flow of Work

Employees learn best when training is embedded into their daily workflow rather than being a separate event.

✅ Why it works: Learning in context ensures immediate application, reinforcing memory. ✅ How to implement:

Provide on-demand microlearning resources accessible via mobile devices.

Integrate learning reminders into collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Offer real-time performance support tools, such as chatbots and digital job aids.

Case Study: Beating the Forgetting Curve with MaxLearn

Companies using MaxLearn’s AI-powered microlearning platform have reported higher knowledge retention and training effectiveness. By leveraging spaced repetition, adaptive learning, and gamification, organizations have:

✔ Increased retention rates by up to 80% ✔ Reduced training time by 50% while improving results ✔ Boosted employee engagement and performance

Conclusion: Training That Sticks

The Forgetting Curve presents a significant challenge for trainers, but with the right strategies, it can be overcome. By implementing microlearning, spaced repetition, AI-driven personalization, and in-the-flow learning, trainers can ensure that knowledge sticks—leading to better performance, higher ROI, and long-term success.

Ready to Defeat the Forgetting Curve?

Explore MaxLearn’s AI-powered microlearning platform and transform your training today! 🚀

[nerdylizj]

Lanterns line the exterior of the restaurant, swinging in the light autumn night breeze and casting on orange haze into the empty street. Curfew is nearing and Katara shouldn’t miss the last monorail back to the Upper Ring. She can’t miss the last monorail. Where would she stay tonight?  With Zuko and Iroh? The thought of returning to the Upper Ring in the morning and waving at Sokka – hey, no worries, I stayed with Zuko and Iroh last night! – is funny. Her brother would squawk and Toph would laugh and Aang would gawk. They wouldn’t understand. She barely understands.  Maybe it’s not funny.

read chapter 13 or start chapter 1

[canisalbus]

Have you considered selling merch? Some stickers pins or patches of the boys would go hard

.

[blackkatmagic]

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - All Media Types Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Jaster Mereel/Savage Opress, Savage Opress & Darth Maul & Feral, Arla Fett/Padmé Amidala Characters: Savage Opress, Jaster Mereel, CC-1010 | Fox, CC-3636 | Wolffe, CT-7567 | Rex, Darth Maul, Feral (Star Wars), Arla Fett, Padmé Amidala, Myles the Mandalorian, Montross (Star Wars), Ursa Wren, Rook Kast Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Mandalorian Empire, Fix-It of Sorts, Eventual Happy Ending, Implied/Referenced Abuse, Consent Issues, Soul Bond, Necromancy, Witch Savage Opress, Nightsister magic, Gender Issues, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, BAMF Savage Opress, Sex Magic, Mandalorian Culture & Customs (Star Wars) Summary:

Savage was never supposed to learn Nightsister magics. It's a skill he can leverage, though, and when he makes a deal with Talzin to protect his brothers, being sold off to the Mand'alor seems like the best of too many bad outcomes. Jaster Mereel has plans to conquer the whole of the Republic, though, and being bound soul-deep to a warlord waging a new Crusade might not be a survivable experience.

[delightful-69]

Why people are so weird about pregnancy

[quibbs126]

I think at this point my brain has been tricked into believing that Megatron is supposed to be a secondary, generally good-aligned protagonist, or at least a more neutral character, instead of, you know, the main villain of the franchise

I blame TF One, Earthspark, probably a bit of MTMTE with all the fanart I see, probably myself for my AU where Megs is the secondary protagonist, and too much megop fanfiction, of which is usually set in the first two aforementioned series

[daretolovemyrambling]

What is it with long-running shows and killing off beloved characters in unstatisfying and cruel ways lately.

[castlebyersafterdark]

hey vinny! very excited about your upcoming fics, I love your writing 🫶

in the meanwhile, do you have any fic recs?

Went through my bookmarks and the bookmarks of a few authors I like, picked at random, went on a clicking journey, and made this list. I know there are tons more good fics out there I am missing 🥰🥰 And there were a lot of fics I recognized on my clicking journey but don't remember since I haven't read them in a while so I didn't list. Anyway, in no particular order:

❤️E asking too much (kissingpractice) - My fave college AU in the midnight hour (wisehearted) - Beautiful drunk Byler. They are perfect perfect 🥵 Probably my fave Byler fic. time is a perception, love will cure depression (alternatedoom) - This is SteveWill but it's my fave Stranger Things E rated fic. So perfect, so hot, the characterization is great, I've read it a dozen times and I'll read it a dozen more. my baby lives in shades of blue (afterglown) - Really cute/hot horny Halloween! 🐺🎃 hard times (pterafractal) - Car guy Mike (more like van guy Mike) and Will and they put that van to good use. the art of an apology (anon) - Byler fight and make-up sex. Cathartic. Privacy (bottomwillbyers) - Sharing a room, FWB, incredible horny nonsense. A classic. put my finger on your tongue 'cause you love to taste (thisfleshbetweenmyteeth) - A little kinky and that's what made me insane about this one. Heed tags. heads or tails? (yousaidyes) - Unsure how to describe this other than good Byler tension with a unique concept. After Hours (pterafractal) - College Byler FWB Mad Machine Gun Heartbeat (NoMartiniNoParty) - Byler first time and it's really different and wonderful of angels and demons (problematicbyler) - Another wonderful horny Halloween 👼🎃 your heart's too big for your body (willbyershandmoles) - crying kink, yes pleaaaaase 🤭 we beat the odds together (willbyershandmoles) - Married older Byler!! linger like a tattoo kiss (problematicbyler) - Simple hot spicy makeout the thing about illicit affairs (problematicbyler) - Hawkins era FWB hands on 10 and 2 (wisehearted) - THE ROAD HEAD FIC! And the ultimate passenger princess Will which is very important to me. baby my tongue goes numb (wisehearted) - Phone sex and oh so much more 🥵

🧡M four rules (alternate doom) - Gen, no ships. An interesting take on gay life in 80s era Hawkins, and some stepfather Hopper and Will interactions. Very different, worth a read. Paladin Brown (NoMartiniNoParty) - Excellent Will character study mirror-to-mirror, face-to-face (passerine_in_jade) Substances and sexuality and drama in the apocalypse the comforts that make us numb (passerine_in_jade) hiiiiiiighler darling all the while (cherryisgone) - Drive in movie date! any semblance of touch (anon) - Excellent highler, Mike visits Will at college Didn't take long (SkuldTheNorn) - Horny makeouts, what's better than that

💛T i think there is someone you love (fireflywitch) - El POV and very interesting. Best El I've read. Sibling stuff. Very 80s. i'm half-doomed and you're semi-sweet (perexcri) - Tension and a grocery run in the apocalypse. In the Eye of a Hurricane It's You and Me (julia_skysong) - Get together, Lab stuff with Will Luminescence (NoMartiniNoParty) - THEEE best Mike Wheeler focused character study fic 💞 burn off from the rush (astrobi) - A little smoker Will as a treat i just may be a daredevil (coopermyagent) - Will goes crazy on the bullies, Byler being generally insane. these fatal fantasies (coopermyagent) - Another excellent Mike fic We're So Lucky (coopermyagent) - Drunk Byler, surprisingly horny for a T fic and I love that a bed in your shape (passerine_in_jade) - Will lies about losing his virginity. Mike uses the lie to come out. Dramaaaa. snakebites and bitter tonics (bylersworld) - COWBOY BYLER 🤠🤠 movie magic (dragons_like_smores) Will works at the video store. Mike returns tapes. Where he paused the movie is very 🤨🤭 Say It With Your Hands (pseudologia) - Working together at the movie theater, modern AU. no end to this want (astrobi) - Summer pining and super cute! you for me (fudgecakez) - Canon divergent season 4 and so gooood 💚Other some sort of ripple effect (sylvianightshade) - Conversations in a pool at a motel during the roadtrip from Cali to Hawkins. Excellent characterizations. a feeling like this (embarrassedwithapicketsign) - Mike finds a drawing of Wills he shouldn't have. there's glitter on the floor after the party (embarrassedwithapicketsign) - FWB met later in life get together No Scissors Required (comfortablynumbonthepuzzle) - Lovely fic about Joyce finding out about Will. Formative.