Our brain consists of a network of neurons connected by synapses. When we learn something new, we form or strengthen the connections between these neurons. It's a bit like training a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. So your brain is a cognitive Schwarzenegger. By repeating information regularly, we strengthen these new neural pathways, leading to better retention and easier recall of the information learned.

Scientists call these physical changes under our head 'neuroplasticity'. This wonderful feature enables us to acquire new skills, expand our knowledge, and adapt to new circumstances.

Imagine that every new experience, fact, or skill learned leaves a trace in your brain. A bit like a wild boar forms a path through a forest. Initially, this path is barely visible, but the more often the beast passes there, the clearer and more visible the path becomes. This is also how repetition in the learning process reinforces the creation of new neural connections. This way, we better capture knowledge. So it's logical that we can sing along to the tune of 'The Champions' flawlessly. That is still being stamped into our brain.

So repetition is key to strengthening these new neural pathways. Just like a musician repeats exercises to perfect a piece, repetition helps us store and remember information more efficiently. By retrieving certain information over and over, we strengthen and improve the connections between neurons. And that's how we embed that information in our memory.

For professionals in the L&D sector, this insight offers valuable opportunities. Designing learning programs that harness the power of repetition can significantly improve learning. Think of interactive e-learning modules that repeat key concepts at different times and in different ways to deepen and embed the learning experience.

In our L&D sector, it is important to develop learning strategies that exploit brain neuroplasticity. This means creating learning experiences that not only encourage participants to actively engage but also provide opportunities for repetition and application in different contexts.

Using techniques such as spaced repetition, active recall, and applying learned concepts to practical situations can help stimulate neuroplasticity and promote a deeper, more meaningful learning process. By understanding and using the natural power of the brain, we can design learning experiences that really last.

Understanding how our brain works and changes through learning not only offers us the chance to develop more effective learning strategies, but also reminds us that learning is a lifelong adventure. Our brain will continue to develop as long as we keep learning.

At Epyc, we are happy to respond to that.

For example, developing learning campaigns is a hobby that got out of hand! By releasing a new piece of content at scattered times, doing a poster campaign, or decorating the cafeteria in theme, you can highlight an important topic over and over again. You literally make it 'top of mind'. Your colleagues are thinking about it. They feel that the topic is important to the organization.

And an easy win is a learning booster. The good news is that you probably already have everything you need to get started. Except maybe a top e-learning partner to create cool content. Can you send out standard learning platform messages? Do you have an intranet where people check the company restaurant menu in the morning? Or does the Communication Service use a mailing tool to keep colleagues informed? Then we can get started right away. And if not, we will find a good solution together.

When we want to teach people something, we try to stay away from an “information overload”. Too often, customers still prefer to get all content to employees at once. That is what I call “garden hose learning”. You can spray people with an outpouring of knowledge, hoping they'll get doused with it enough to stay wet with knowledge for a while afterwards. In practice, you often just stand on a wet lawn with little effect.

Microlearning is ideal for offering and repeating content in a staggered manner. Offer a new piece from time to time, repeat an old piece, expand an existing one. That's a great strategy!