Knowledge retention and constructivism: How to create sticky learning
Knowledge retention is essential when designing an e-learning course. Imagine learning to go through all the trouble and long hours of creating a course just to forget about its takeaway a few days after completing it. Therefore, it is important to use techniques to ensure that the content you create is memorable. To achieve this, eLearning Design is based on cognitiveist learning theory that supports learners who retain new information through active engagement, personal experience, and critical thinking. In this article, we investigate the relationship between knowledge retention and constructivism and propose strategies to enhance its effectiveness.
What is the constructivist theory?
A central idea of constructivism is that learning is a positive process in which participants build knowledge based on their own experiences. Initially, constructivism emerged as a field of cognitiveism by psychologists Jean Piaget and William Perry, and was called “cognitive constructivism.” More aspects were then added to the theory, further distinguishing it from cognitiveism. For example, Vygotsky added the concept of social constructivism, highlighting the importance of social interaction in learning. Meanwhile, Ernst von Glaserfeld proposed radical constructivism. This suggests that learning is influenced by individuals’ personal experiences and perspectives.
Currently, the impact of constructivism can be seen in a variety of learning approaches, including inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and collaborative learning. This is a direct result of the perception that learners have unique learning needs, and that if they are actively involved in the learning process, they are more likely to achieve effective knowledge acquisition.
With this knowledge of constructivism, we can examine several strategies that can be used to enhance long-term knowledge retention based on the principles of this theory of learning.
Five strategies to strengthen long-term knowledge retention through constructivism
1. Practical learning
Constructivist learning theory assumes that knowledge is constructed through experience. And what is a better way to create a learning experience that has meaningful and impactful for your audience than incorporating practical activities? One thing is to hear and read about a completely different experience, in order to see and directly engage with it. For example, imagine you want to help your sales team improve your floor service. Using role-playing exercises and simulations will provide much better results than simply discussing the different customer personas and issues that may occur in each.
2. Collaborative learning
An aspect of cognitiveism that previous learning theory did not fully emphasize is the social nature of learning. A collaborative environment in which many learners interact offers many benefits. The diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives of participants create excellent breeding grounds for idea exchange, innovation and creative thinking. Use this constructivism-based strategy to help learners improve long-term knowledge retention by incorporating them into course activities such as group discussions, peer tutors, and collaborative projects. These techniques allow learners to gain a deeper understanding of topics by analyzing with their colleagues, expressing their ideas and discovering new perspectives.
3. Problem-based learning
An important aspect of constructivist learning theory is its emphasis on critical thinking. Learners often encourage people to dig deep into the subject, strive to innovate, and come up with solutions to problems without relying on private tutors or instructors. This approach describes problem-based learning in which participants learn about subjects by grouping them to address open-ended issues. Such activities allow learners to actively engage in learning content and apply knowledge gained in real-world situations. The more scenarios they solve and the more genuine problems they have, the more they recognize the real-life relevance of educational content and enhance knowledge retention.
4. Use technology to enhance constructivist learning
Many of the activities we described may seem appropriate for face-to-face learning environments. However, advanced tools available to modern tutors and instructors can easily be adjusted for online learning. For example, you can enable collaboration between online learners by using video conferencing tools, forums, and co-writing tools to facilitate work on the same document. Additionally, the advanced learning platform provides access to immersive virtual simulations that fully replicate real-world situations. As a result, learners in all educational environments can learn at their own pace, experiment with realistic scenarios, and retain information more effectively.
5. Enquiry-based learning
The final strategy that can be used to promote long-term knowledge retention through constructivism is to encourage learning through research. This technique is particularly useful during problem solving, but can also be used when exploring new topics in general. Enquiry-based learning encourages learners to closely examine topics through questions and research. This contrasts with traditional methods of storing information. Developing these skills is essential for learners, and has the ability to prepare for the lifetime of learning, to display information critically, to conduct research, to draw conclusions from the database.
Conclusion
Long-term knowledge retention is essential for learners, and constructivism can be a valuable tool for instructors to enhance it. By highlighting learners’ experiences and practical engagement, this learning theory helps learners to absorb information more quickly, implement new knowledge in real-world situations, and retain them more effectively. Use the strategies discussed in this article to gain a deeper understanding of topics that are interested in learners and to gain the skills they need to keep up with a rapidly changing educational and business environment.
