Mastering the Art of Retention: Four Steps to Make Learning Stick

Why Retention Matters

Retention isn’t just about remembering facts; it’s about embedding knowledge so deeply that it becomes second nature. For parents, this might mean ensuring that the lessons you teach your children stick with them in moments of decision-making. For professionals, it’s about mastering a skill so well that it becomes part of who you are. And for everyone, it’s about making the most of your learning efforts.

The Four Levels of Retention

Retention happens on different levels, and each level builds on the one before it. Let’s break it down:

1. Hearing the Information

The first level of retention occurs when you hear something. Unfortunately, research suggests that hearing alone leads to minimal retention—often less than 10%. Think about a time when you heard a great idea but couldn’t recall the details later. Sound familiar? That’s why hearing alone isn't enough.

2. Seeing and Hearing the Information

When you combine auditory learning with visual elements, retention improves significantly. This could mean watching a demonstration, reading along with spoken instructions, or viewing visual aids. Retention at this level increases to around 20%.

3. Experiencing the Information

The third level involves hands-on experience. Doing the task yourself engages your senses and creates a connection between the knowledge and real-world application. Retention at this level jumps to approximately 40-50%.

In our coaching programs and horsemanship training, we ensure participants don’t just hear and see the process; they actively practice it. For example, watching someone saddle a horse is helpful, but saddling the horse yourself creates a whole new level of understanding.

4. Teaching the Information

The highest level of retention happens when you teach what you’ve learned to someone else—ideally within 24 hours of acquiring the knowledge. Teaching solidifies your understanding, forcing you to articulate and organize your thoughts clearly. According to research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, active learning strategies such as teaching others can enhance retention and reduce failure rates by up to 55%.Some estimates suggest retention can be as high as 70% when respondents regularly teach the material.

Applying the Four Steps in Your Life

Retention isn’t just for classrooms or training arenas; it’s a life skill. Here’s how you can apply these steps:

• For Parents: Teach your children life lessons by modeling the behavior, practicing it with them, and then asking them to teach the concept to a sibling or friend.
• At Work: When training employees, involve them in the teaching process early on. This strengthens their skills while fostering a collaborative environment.
• In Personal Growth: Challenge yourself to teach newly learned concepts to others. Whether it’s a skill, a mindset, or a piece of advice, teaching helps you grow.

Bonus Tip: Start with Teaching in Mind

One of the most effective ways to maximize retention is to prepare for teaching right from the beginning. When you’re learning something new, think about how you would explain it to someone else. This mindset shifts your focus and enhances your engagement, making every learning moment more impactful.

The Takeaway

Learning and retention are journeys, not destinations. By following these four steps, you can transform the way you absorb and share knowledge, ensuring it sticks for the long haul. Whether you’re training a horse, guiding a child, or mastering a new skill, remember: the more you teach, the more you solidify your learning.

At Stable Living Coaching, we’re here to support your journey—helping you and your family build skills that last a lifetime. Start applying these steps today, and watch the transformation unfold. As always, remember: Don’t Ever Stop Chasing It.