How long can learners retain information from listening?

When considering how long learners can effectively retain information from listening, research indicates that attention and memory retention tend to decline significantly after approximately 20 minutes. This phenomenon is often attributed to the natural limits of human attention spans in passive learning scenarios, such as listening.

During the initial period of listening, retention can be high as learners are engaged and focused. However, as time progresses, without interactive elements or breaks, retention may decrease. The choice of a 20-minute duration reflects a common guideline in educational settings, where it is recommended to vary teaching methods or introduce interactive elements after this time frame to enhance retention and engagement.

Overall, the understanding of this 20-minute retention window underscores the importance of effective teaching strategies that encourage active participation and frequent engagement to maintain attention and improve retention substantially.