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Learning Isn’t the Problem—Retention Is

You’ve probably seen it happen when one of your employees completes a training program, checks the box, fill outs a survey saying how great the day and instructor were, and forgets 90% of the content by next week.

They learned the material, technically. But can they now apply it? That’s a different story and one that we don’t always have a happy ending to.

If you’re in HR, you know the challenge isn’t always getting people to learn, but helping them remember and use what they’ve learned.

So what really makes learning stick?

It’s not longer slides, louder presenters, or more checklists. It’s strategies that support real-world retention and application, which is our true goal as learning practioners.

Spacing, retrieval, relevance, reflection.

These are more than just training buzzwords. They are proven methods to help our brains hold onto new information. When these methods are designed and implemented well, they turn passive learners into active users. And yes, AI can help with every one of them (especially if you know how to prompt for it—just ask Paul 😉).

AI can build personalized practice scenarios, quiz employees at just the right moment, and generate refreshers based on previous learning—all without overwhelming your L&D team.

To make it work, you need to guide AI clearly, with prompts that match the context, goal, and learner’s experience level. That’s why getting good at prompting isn’t just a “nice-to-have” skill, it’s necessary to get things done.

If you want your learning programs to deliver more than checkmarks, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Not by replacing your tools, but by designing how they’re used with learning science and AI in partnership. Because when learning sticks, behavior shifts. And that’s the outcome that drives business results.

Why HR Needs to Pair Learning with AI Strategy

1. Training without reinforcement leads to forgetfulness
Studies show most people forget 70% of what they learn within 24 hours. But AI can help by delivering spaced practice, role-specific examples, and quick retrieval prompts days or weeks later.

For instance, you can use a prompt like: “Create a 3-day spaced learning plan for a new manager on giving feedback.” Now you’re building retention into the process without adding to your team’s workload.

2. Learning must be relevant to feel useful
Generic content doesn’t stick because it doesn’t feel connected. But when you add real employee profiles, current challenges, or company-specific scenarios to your prompts, AI can generate highly personalized learning content.

That makes the learning easier to absorb, and more likely to be used the next time that real-world moment happens.

3. Prompting supports just-in-time learning
You don’t need to wait for the next workshop or course. A well-crafted prompt can help someone get a refresher or scenario-based coaching right when they need it—on the job, in the moment.

That’s learning in motion. And the better HR gets at prompting, the more useful these tools become for the people who need them.

Think about the last training your team rolled out.

Now ask yourself: Did it stick? Did it change anything?

If not, start experimenting with AI-driven retention strategies. And reach out to Paul. He can help you prompt your way to better outcomes.

Takeaways:

1. Effective learning is about what people remember and apply, not just what they consume.

2. AI can support smarter learning strategies like spaced repetition, real-time coaching, and role-specific practice.

3. Clear prompting helps HR turn AI into a learning ally, not just a content generator.

Don’t just deliver learning—design it to last. ✨

📄 Prompt of the Week

Use this prompt to develop a training follow up program:

ROLE:
You are a learning and development strategist specializing in post-training reinforcement, retention techniques, and manager-supported learning.

REQUEST:
Help me design a 4-week follow-up program that reinforces a recent technical training program. Include structured weekly activities, knowledge checks, and ideas for interactive learning that can be fun, engaging, and effective.

GOAL:
The goal is to support the application of new technical skills in the workplace, encourage retention of the material, and provide HR and people leaders with lightweight ways to evaluate whether the training is sticking.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Base your program on the specific ###Technical_Training content provided below

• Include a weekly cadence of activities that balance practical application, collaboration, and feedback

• Incorporate at least one fun or gamified idea per week to increase engagement

• Include ways for both employees and managers to reflect on progress

• Focus on learning reinforcement, not retraining

• Activities should be relevant to the type of training delivered

OUTPUT FORMAT:

• A brief program summary

• Weekly breakdown (Week 1 to Week 4), with:

  • Theme or focus

  • Activity or assignment

  • Optional fun engagement idea

  • Manager check-in tip or feedback prompt

• Final summary with ideas for sustaining learning beyond 4 weeks

###Technical_Training:
[Insert the type of training delivered]

🤩  The Fun Side of AI

Using AI doesn’t have to be all work. Here is a fun way to interact with AI.

Sleeeeep…

Discover effective strategies to create a sleep routine that improves your rest, enhances energy, and fosters healthier habits.

ROLE:

You are an expert in sleep hygiene and wellness strategies with a deep understanding of habits and routines that promote healthier and more restorative sleep.

REQUEST:

Help me develop a personalized sleep hygiene plan that aligns with my lifestyle and addresses my sleep challenges.

GOAL:

Create a clear, actionable sleep hygiene strategy to improve sleep quality, enhance energy, and support overall health and well-being.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sleep Assessment

 Identify factors disrupting my sleep, including: [stress, screen time, inconsistent schedules, environmental factors, caffeine or alcohol intake].

2. Evening Routine

 Suggest an ideal evening routine that prepares me for sleep. Include activities like: [relaxation techniques, journaling, reading, dimming lights, setting a bedtime].

3. Sleep Environment Optimization

 Provide tips for creating a sleep-friendly environment. Focus on: [lighting, noise reduction, mattress/pillow quality, temperature, blackout curtains].

4. Consistent Sleep Schedule

 Recommend strategies for setting and sticking to a consistent sleep and wake schedule, even on weekends.

5. Daytime Habits

 Identify habits during the day that support better sleep, such as: [physical activity, balanced diet, limiting naps, exposure to natural light].

6. Managing Sleep Disruptions

 Offer solutions for common sleep disruptions, like: [waking up at night, difficulty falling asleep, racing thoughts, snoring, light sensitivity].

7. Tracking Progress

 Recommend tools and techniques to monitor my sleep quality, such as: [sleep journals, mobile apps, wearable trackers, daily reflections].

8. Long-Term Improvements

 Develop a long-term plan to sustain better sleep, focusing on: [stress management, mindfulness practices, reducing sleep debt, regular health checkups].

OUTPUT FORMAT:

Organize the output into clear sections with bullet points under each category. Provide practical examples, actionable tips, and concise explanations to make the plan easy to follow.