Importance of Discussion for Learning Retention

Importance of Discussion for Learning Retention

12 Sep Importance of Discussion for Learning Retention

Posted at 14:51h in General news by Admin Person
Research by the National Training Laboratory indicates that varying one’s study methods and materials produces better retention and recall of information and enhance the learning experience. The “learning pyramid”, sometimes referred to as the “cone of learning”, suggests that students retain nearly 50% of what they learn through a discussion but only 10% of what they read in textbooks.

In our educational system, lecture-based teaching is the most common method used to educate students. However, it is also one of the least effective methods of teaching and learning. Many students have a difficult time understanding new concepts after only hearing about them in a lecture-type learning setting.

Discussions offer an active, cooperative learning environment that leads to greater retention of information. Discussions can take on many forms, one example is to use a gamified approach to facilitate these discussions. This type of approach creates a collaborative, open-ended exchange of ideas that helps to prompt learning, the development of new ideas, engagement in problem-solving, and enhanced comprehension.

Learning Pyramid

One of the defining characteristics of a discussion is the considerable agency participants have in determining their own understanding or interpretation of the topic. Students participating in a discussion must decide if they agree with the credibility or validity of others’ responses. This requires comprehension and reflection on the information.

As mentioned earlier we now have new technologies that have the potential to motivate students in new ways. Gamification is one example of a recent technological innovation that has been shown to increase student engagement with course material and encourage this type of comprehension and reflection.

Gamification of discussion and argumentation is a promising area of research for both instructors and students. There are two primary goals:

First, students need to understand how to express their ideas clearly and concisely.

Second, students need to be able to listen carefully and actively engage with each other during class time (in-class debates).

It’s a great thing GoodGames has different types of games that can be used to motivate students or participants to join and engage in discussions which will really improve the student’s or participant’s learning and retention.

By using a gamified approach, GoodGames can help in practicing disaster resilience simpler for organizations, communities, and businesses. We have affordable serious games to help improve disaster resilience.

It is important to note that the pyramid does not rank study methods according to their importance. All of these methods are important. Lectures are still very important. The information you take during lectures may be vital to your ability to participate in group discussions or teach the material to others. Vary your study methods and focus on the methods and learning styles that yield the best results for you.

If you wish to learn more and find the right game for you, feel free to contact us anytime.

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