Did you know that studies have shown we remember only about 10% of what we read and 20% of what we hear? Yet, when we actively participate in learning by doing, that retention jumps to around 75%. You’re not alone if you’ve ever gone through a training session and felt overwhelmed or struggled to retain the information. Traditional training methods have limits when developing complex skills that require hands-on practice. Simulation training offers a different approach that helps you to understand new skills and retain and apply them effectively on the job.
What Is Simulation Training?
Simulation training replicates real-world scenarios. This happens in a controlled, safe environment, allowing you to practice, learn, and make mistakes without consequences. The benefits of simulation training are clear: imagine a new nurse practicing emergency procedures in a virtual hospital setting or a pilot in training navigating various flight scenarios on a simulator.
Why Simulation Training Boosts Learning
When you’re actively involved in learning, your brain responds differently than when you’re passively listening or reading. Simulation training keeps you engaged, making remembering and applying new skills easier. Here’s why:
Hands-On Practice that Sticks
Simulation training allows you to practice skills, not just study them. Think about how much more you remember after doing something yourself rather than just hearing about it. When you practice within a simulated environment, you’re actively involved in the process, which helps your brain create connections that make it easier to recall later.
Real-Time Feedback
One of the most powerful aspects of simulation training is that you receive instant feedback. When you make a mistake or take the right step, you’ll know right away, reinforcing correct actions and correcting errors.
Improved Problem-Solving Skills
Simulation training puts you in situations where you need to think on your feet. Whether it’s solving a technical problem or making a strategic decision, simulations encourage critical thinking and help you develop problem-solving skills that will serve you well on the job.
Active Learning = Better Memory
When you’re fully engaged in the learning process, your brain retains information better. Simulation training creates an active learning environment where you’re involved, focused, and mentally present.
How Simulation Training Enhances Retention
Retention is one of the biggest challenges in learning. If you’re going to invest time in training, you want to be able to remember and use that knowledge. Simulation training’s immersive, hands-on nature is key to helping you retain what you’ve learned for the long term.
Memory Boost Through Realistic Scenarios
Research shows that we remember information better when it’s tied to real experiences. Simulation training leverages this by creating scenarios that closely mimic real-life challenges, making learning feel relevant and memorable. For example, if you’re in customer service, a simulation might place you in a situation with a difficult customer. Facing these scenarios firsthand makes it easier to recall and apply what you have learned when you’re on the job.
Learning by Doing
Most of us retain around 75% of what we learn by doing. Simulation training capitalizes on this by providing practical experience. When you physically perform a task, it’s more than just knowledge—it’s a skill your brain can recall more easily. The more you practice in a simulation, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel when you need to use those skills in the real world.
Emotional Connection to Learning
Simulation training also creates an emotional connection to what you’re learning, which greatly impacts retention. Imagine being in a healthcare simulation, responding to an emergency. The emotions and stress you feel in that controlled environment make the experience memorable, making you more likely to remember the steps you took.
Safe Space to Make Mistakes
Another benefit of simulation training is that it offers a low-stakes environment where you can make mistakes. Making a misstep in a simulation is often one of the best ways to learn because it teaches you how to approach a situation without any real consequences.
Reduced Cognitive Load
Simulation training allows you to learn complex skills in manageable steps. Rather than overwhelming you with information all at once, simulations guide you through each part of the process.
The Science of Retention in Simulation Training
You might wonder, “Why does simulation training work so well?” The answer lies in the way our brains process experiential learning. When you actively engage with the material, especially in a realistic setting, your brain links that information with actions and emotions, making it easier to recall.
Experiential Learning Theory suggests that we learn best by doing, especially when the learning experience feels authentic. When immersed in a simulation, your brain treats it like a real experience, helping you store that information as a long-term memory.
Long-Term Benefits of Simulation Training
The real purpose of training is to pick up new knowledge and to use that knowledge to do your job better and tackle real-world challenges. Simulation training bridges the gap between simply learning and doing, giving you hands-on practice in a setting that feels just like the real thing. Simulation training also makes you more resilient. When you’ve worked through challenging scenarios in a safe space, you’re ready to handle them when they come up for real.
How Simulation Training Really Helps Your Team
Think about the difference between reading about handling an emergency and experiencing it. With simulation training, your team can step into realistic scenarios to practice making decisions under pressure. It’s one thing to know what to do in theory, but it’s completely different to feel what it’s like.
When your team trains in a simulation, they’re building real confidence. They learn the steps and practice staying calm and thinking clearly in challenging situations. This kind of training is memorable because it ties what they learn to real feelings and actions. By the time they face these situations for real, they’ve already genuinely been through them.
Final Thoughts: Is Simulation Training Right for You?
If you’re looking for a way to make learning stick and want your team to feel genuinely prepared for the challenges they’ll face, simulation training could be exactly what you need. With simulation training, learning goes beyond just reading or watching. It is experiencing it. That’s the magic: when training feels real, it stays with you. Simulation training might be the perfect fit for your team if you’re ready to turn training into something memorable and practical.
