The Science Behind Making Learning Stick

As someone who works with leaders daily, I've noticed something fascinating: we often teach important concepts, but they don't always stick. There's actually a neuroscience model that explains how learning sticks. I have conceptually applied it for a long time. It's called AGES, developed by the NeuroLeadership Institute.

Here's how 'AGES' works.

I recommend you imagine that your brain is a recording device.

To create a strong memory and let learning settle, you need four specific conditions:

1. Attention

- Full focus (no multitasking!)

- Minimal distractions

2. Generate (a mental map)

- Connect to existing knowledge

- Make it personally meaningful

- See the trees *and* the forest

3. Emotion

- Engage feelings, not just logic

- Make it memorable and visceral through storytelling

- Go from lecture to felt experience

4. Spaced Learning

- Break learning into chunks

- Review in appropriate intervals

Here's a recommendation. Next time you need to teach something important:

1. Find a quiet space for both of you (Attention)

2. Establish how what you discuss connects to their goals and how it links to their existing knowledge (Generate or Expand their mental map)

3. Share a relevant story, talk about why the learning matters and how it benefits them personally (Emotion)

4. Follow up in 48 hours (Spaced Review)

How could you apply this with someone at work? I imagine you encounter many small moments where you have to teach something important. I would love to hear!