Increase Comprehension and Retention through Connections

Did you know that the human stomach has gastric folds within it that allow it to stretch to contain up to 4 liters of food and fluid? This makes me think of the accordion blinds that hang in my office window. 

This is one of many facts I am learning as I study anatomy – a COVID quarantine way to pass my time. Trying to learn something that is totally new and unconnected to my career path or other hobbies has been a fascinating journey. It has given me the opportunity to consider and apply the cognitive and neuroscience research from the perspective of the learner. This, in turn, has led me to create even more ideas to support the learners in my training sessions.

For example, we know from research that making connections between prior and new knowledge improves understanding and retention. Instructors often use analogies to assist learners in making these connections. While helpful, these are instructor-driven rather than learner-driven. Given that not all learners have the same background or personal interests, it has been proven more effective to have the learners create their own connections. Here’s a simple and effective way to do it:

1. Near the beginning of your session, direct everyone to grab a sticky note.
2. Ask them to label it “Hobbies and Interests” and then jot down at least 6 things that fall in that category for them.
3. Direct everyone to place the note on the table or on the edge of their computer screen so that it is visible throughout the session.
4. As you make important points, ask participants to look at their sticky note and make a connection between the learning and a hobby or interest. Allow time for silent writing, followed by sharing.
5. Alternatively, you may choose to use a full sheet of paper instead of a sticky note. Direct everyone to create a web as shown in the illustration, with the learning topic in the center and hobbies/interests surrounding it. Encourage them to add their connections as the session progresses. This will also allow room for doodling.

Telling isn't that same as teaching. Participating isn't the same as learning. So pack your session with research-based ideas like this one. Want more? Contact me to discuss how we can customize some professional learning activities for your team.