The psychology of video learning is rooted in how the human brain processes, stores, and retrieves information. Online educators often battle with what is called the ‘forgetting curve.’ Memory retention declines over time when no effort is made to retain it. It happens because the brain will prioritize information based on relevance and repetition.
Videos are powerful because learners can access them at any time and fit them into their daily schedules. This flexibility gives them the space to engage with them in ways that help to promote retention. They can revisit videos and their ability to retain knowledge strengthens.
Videos also engage both visual and auditory channels. Learners don’t have to apply unnecessary effort to decipher lengthy texts. When learners receive related visual and verbal information at the same time, their brains integrate it more effectively. If you’re an e-learning provider wanting to improve video retention in education, it helps to understand the psychology behind why video learning is so effective.
How the brain processes visual and auditory information
Various psychologists have made studies over the years of how the brain processes visual and auditory information. They have found that video learning improves engagement and retention because of the way the brain is wired.
Paivio’s Dual Coding theory
In 1971, Paivio came up with Dual Coding Theory. The brain processes information through two distinct but interconnected channels. Videos combine narration with moving images or animations so they engage both of these channels at the same time. This approach makes recall stronger. For example, if you animate a water cycle with a voiceover, learners can visualize the evaporation process and hear an explanation of how it works at the same time – each reinforces the other.
Mayer’s multimedia learning theory
Richard Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning outlines some principles that explain why learning from videos is so successful.
- According to the multimedia principle, learners learn better from words and images than from words alone.
- If you use spoken words with visuals, learners retain more than if you pair written words with visuals. This is because you split the cognitive load across the visual and auditory channels.
- Mayer’s segmenting principle involves breaking videos into short units that learners can control to improve their understanding.
- His personalization principle refers to using a conversational tone in narration to improve engagement and retention. There are many ways in which you can personalize e-learning with videos.
- He also refers to the principle of signalling or highlighting key information to focus the attention of learners on what matters most.
The Cincopa video hosting platform is a cloud-based multimedia solution. It helps you to manage and distribute many forms of digital content, such as videos, images, and audio files.
The role of emotional engagement in retention
Seeing and hearing a human presenter increases a sense of social connection. This helps to increase motivation and retention. Learners will feel more engaged even if they aren’t interacting directly with the person. As it mimics in-person interaction, it helps to maintain their focus. This human interaction is one of the reasons videos increase course completion rates. When learners feel isolated and lacking in support, it’s more likely that they won’t complete courses.
Stories are scientifically proven to help learners because they engage the emotions and create relatable contexts for presenting information. Videos appeal to a wide range of senses, so they are great for telling stories that can evoke strong emotional responses.
Video learning science involves the activation of mirror neurons. Simulations and scenarios in videos can activate these mirror neurons. These are the same neural systems learners use when performing a task. For example, a learner who watches the steps as an instructor performs a science experiment can perform it too.
Cognitive load theory and video design principles
In 1988, Sweller came up with Cognitive Load Theory. Working memory has a limited capacity. Instruction must minimize irrelevant mental effort and optimize germane load or effort to learn.
Video design can facilitate the cognitive benefits of video. One way to do this is to break videos up into segments or chapters. You can use narration and visual cues to reduce unnecessary mental effort for learners.
It is easier for a learner to watch a step-by-step video tutorial on how to use software than to follow written instructions. Learners don’t have to translate text into actions as they can see them directly.
The design of webinars in e-learning can include social elements such as a Q&A session where learners can ask questions and get answers. This helps them to understand and retain the information.
Practical applications for e-learning content creators
1. Combine visuals and narration
Combine spoken explanations with supporting visuals such as diagrams or screen recordings. You can use graphics to show relationships and sequences.
On the Cincopa platform you can make use of the RecTrace tool, a screen and webcam recorder. Add the extension to your Chrome browser and you can capture your screen and record yourself talking. This is ideal for creating step-by-step tutorials.
2. Reduce cognitive load
- Break videos down into short segments of a few minutes and focus on one topic. If you dump all the information on learners at once, their brains can’t handle it.
- Use clean visuals and avoid too many animations.
- Offer step-by-step instructions so learners don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Try to sync words and visuals. When you narrate “The piston moves upward,” show it moving at exactly that point and not before or after.
- Create short videos that cover one concept rather than trying to overload a long video with information.
3. Use multimedia principles to reinforce learning
- Explain diagrams with spoken narration rather than just reading text aloud.
- Include pause points in your videos for short self-check questions and a chance to process information.
- Use arrows or highlights to draw attention to the most important parts of the video.
- Use conversational narration when live streaming videos rather than an overly formal script.
If you’re explaining a software dashboard, you could highlight a button you’re discussing and zoom in while describing its function.
4. Give learning context with storytelling and scenarios
Storytelling and scenarios give learners context for the information, which helps them to retain it. If they need to master a new software tool, rather than just watching tutorials, they can actively engage with it in a real-world scenario. This improves their understanding and proficiency. Hands-on engagement with material promotes retention. Learners have to concentrate when they must take actions such as putting a new tool into practice.
5. Use spaced repetition
Spaced repetition gives learners many opportunities to practice content over time. The repeated exposure increases retention. In corporate training a long training session will be less effective than if employees consistently learn over an extended period.
Try getting learners to implement a learning routine of about 25 minutes at a time. You can use video playlists so learners can refresh their knowledge at optimal intervals. With the use of video messaging, you can send learners timely reminders to complete courses.
6. Get learners to teach others
Employees can participate in workshops or sessions where they share their knowledge with colleagues. They can’t teach others properly unless they fully understand the material themselves. The process forces them to engage in active recall to explain different concepts.
Conclusion: Designing videos that stick in learners’ minds
The psychology of video learning includes theories such as dual coding, multimedia learning, and cognitive load. Videos provide the best way to trigger brain processes and boost memory encoding. They can improve long-term knowledge retention in e-learning. On Cincopa’s home page, you can sign up for a free trial. The platform offers advanced analytics so you can track learner engagement with videos and find ways to improve e-learning retention.
