Use It or Lose It: The Science of Hands-On Learning

According to the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve, most newly learned information is lost within hours. That is, unless it’s reinforced through practice. For organizations scaling tech capabilities and new AI tools, the forgetting curve poses a critical business risk to workforce performance. 

Hands-on learning mitigates that risk. When employees practice new skills in real or simulated scenarios, that opportunity to apply knowledge improves retention by up to 75%. The brain doesn’t simply recognize familiar information, it’s able to recall it independently, outside of the learning environment. 

Use It or Lose It: The Science Behind Hands-On Learning explains the neuroscience behind why passive learning falls short and what organizations can do about it. In the infographic, you’ll find: 

• How the brain turns learning into a skill
• What hands-on learning looks like in the workplace
• Tips for building learning opportunities where skills training leads to on-the-job expertise