As an e-learning company, we can now say that we utilize nearly every type of scientific research to its fullest extent in our work. We bring together new insights, test them in suitable projects, and systematically repeat the ones that work. Over time, weaker approaches fade away, while stronger ones persist. This continuous cycle evolves with changing generations, emerging theories, and our growing practical experiences.

Here, we present a summary of three fundamental principles that have stood the test of time and proven successful in our process. We always prioritize these principles in our educational designs, and we recommend them to you as well:

1) The Spacing Effect

In 1885, psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus discovered that people forget about 80% of what they learn within 24 hours. This discovery led to his "Forgetting Curve" theory. Despite its age, we only recently began to understand and apply it. Ebbinghaus' striking research on learning and forgetting, which remains relevant today, showed us that:

• It is much harder to retain meaningless information.
• Relearning information is easier than learning it for the first time.
• Presenting information over time rather than all at once increases success.
• Repeating the lesson and taking breaks helps retain information longer in memory.

Pay special attention to the last point. This relationship between learning and memory is called the "spacing effect." How do we apply this in practice?

Focus on Extended Intervals

The spacing effect doesn't just advocate for repetition of the same concept. It actually refers to spaced repetitions over time. Longer intervals are more effective for long-term recall.

Longer means long enough for individuals to rest and absorb the information—but not so long that they completely forget the lesson. Our new LMS allows individuals to take longer courses through smart fragmented content. Letting the individual leave the course whenever they want and resume from where they left off does not positively impact course completion rates. Instead, intelligently fragmented content is presented at specific times. Let us introduce you to this new approach with "Spaced Learning Design."

Vary the Repetition

Here’s a little secret: you don't have to insist on the same style of learning activities in spaced learning. This only serves to bore individuals. Repetitions can be presented through different learning methods (text, audio, visuals, infographics, videos, and tables). They don't all have to be designed as e-learning.

Start with simple tests over days or weeks. Continue with short, practical courses to help individuals retain information in their memory.

2. The Von Restorff Effect

The Von Restorff effect explains how we remember things that stand out. According to Von Restorff, people pay more attention to things that are striking, unusual, different, or out of the ordinary. Something conspicuously different, like a word written in red in a five-item list, will be more memorable.

What happens with longer lists? Psychologist and pediatrician Von Restorff suggests making items in the middle of the list memorable by formatting them differently. Here are some examples:

• Use an unusual but believable story in storytelling. An odd character or place name can capture interest and arouse curiosity.
• When writing, try using a new word or an unusual sentence structure. Just make sure the sentences aren't unnecessarily complex and don't seem forced.