d and video games. When simulations are fun, competitive, and gamified in nature, these elements combine to make a somewhat unforgettable experiential learning activity.
Simulation Repetition is Key
Simulations and their learning objectives are best retained when the exercise is repeated many times. Science suggests that learners retain about 5% of what they hear, but around 50% of what they gain through interaction and experience. Experience is sticky, heard concepts are slippery.
The repetition of business simulations enables the learnings to get embedded deeper in the human memory, perhaps, as we explained in the introduction, by tricking the brain into seeing the information as being key to survival. At least in the modern day, when survival is assured by maintaining a good shelter and keeping on top of your bills, remembering what you’ve learned in a business simulation could prove incredible useful!
"Since students take on management roles in a fictitious company, they need to make strategic decisions to grow their business, applying theoretical business concepts in a practical way. Since they see the outcomes of their decisions, they are able to retain learning more effectively than just through theory alone” - StratX Simulations
Multi-Visual Memory Strategies
One of the most proven and effective methods to get students to retain learning concepts is by applying a creative mixture of text, video, images, sound, humor, podcasts, and more.
One of the most simple forms of visual learning is the flashcard. A picture and a word combined, or a picture on one side and a word on the other. The humble flashcard has been effective for decades, as the combination of two forms of the same information helps our brains to remember information.
A list of countries is hard to remember, but when formatted into a map, it’s much more memorable. Telling someone the weather forecast for tomorrow is far less effective than them watching a weather forecast on television, thanks to the audio-visual representations, color codes, keys, and symbols to aid information retention.
Professors, keep this in mind when building course materials: learning concepts are retained better when the information is presented in multiple visual formats. Percentages listed in bullet points could be a pie chart. A business deal could be represented as a flowchart. An old video clip full of wisdom could be more valuable than simply sharing a classic quote.
Verdict: Utilize All of These Strategies for Success!
Naturally, there are thousands of different subjects being taught and learned in educational settings around the world, so while one strategy might be effective for you, another might not. A multi-faceted approach is recommended, especially one that offers simulated experiences to test the knowledge being learned in safe environments.
Take the first step in creating memorable learning experiences for your learners. Get a free demo of one of our simulations today.