Repetition + Reinforcement = Retention: Online Training Is the Key BY PATRICIA FRIPP

Successfully tying your shoe laces; learning the Pledge of Allegiance, memorizing multiplica- tion facts or the periodic table; conjugating irregular verbs in Spanish: what do these things have in common? They were all mastered through repetitive attempts. From a very young age, we began to achieve retention through repetition, and that strategy still applies for mas- tering new content and new skills in business.

However, when your employees attend a confer- ence, a seminar, or a class, etc., even if they listen care- fully, take notes, study the handouts, and relate the material to their personal experiences, they will not be able to recall all of the most critical and relevant points. Neuroscience research and experience indi- cate that with only one exposure to the material this is the governing reality.

After the in-person training, the next critical com- ponent for retention is reinforcement through repe- tition. Even the most skilled, artful, and memorable trainers will impact an audience’s brains with very lim- ited retention in one presentation. True retention comes from repeated exposure and practice of the skills that are taught, and that is why online training makes sense.

Why should you invest in online training for your company? Because you are a professional, and you want your employees to be professional in their inter- actions with their colleagues, with your competition, with potential clients, with everyone they encounter as they represent your company.

No matter what your profession is, you are smart enough to know that the future belongs to the com- petent. True success comes to those who are more multifaceted in their competence; those who seek out relationships with others in other disciplines, in and out of their companies; those who are always ready and willing to learn something new. The value of investing in online training cannot be underestimated. This is especially relevant to the per- son who makes decisions around funding of training and development. When companies invest in online training programs, they reap multiple benefits: 1. An opportunity to demonstrate your commit- ment to the personal progress and growth of your associates in your workplace. Many younger associates will stay longer, work harder, and be more committed

to companies that help them learn skills that will last a lifetime.

2. Ensuring that your capabilities keep pace with the current standards of others in the same field. Companies are always competing for the best available talent. However, most recruit the best they can find with the right attitude and then train for skills that are required.

3. Many industries require continuing education credits for employees, and many online training pro- grams qualify for continuing education certification. It can lead to increased public confidence in individ- ual professionals and their profession as a whole. When comparing individuals for promotion and new opportunities, those who actively seek professional accreditation have an advantage.

4. Continuing education programs link employees who have similar job responsibilities. They may also connect employees to programs that help them dis- cover new opportunities available to them within the company. Smart managers continue to communicate this message in their team meetings. Ambitious pro- fessionals realize that continuing education is a non- taxable fringe benefit. Employees of companies with

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