What percentage of information do trainees retain from what they hear?

The correct percentage of information that trainees typically retain from what they hear is often cited as 20%. This estimate is rooted in various educational and psychological studies on learning retention, which suggest that auditory learning alone yields a relatively low retention rate.

When trainees are only exposed to information verbally, they are likely to remember about 20% of what they've heard after a certain period. This highlights the need for varied teaching methods to enhance retention, such as incorporating visual aids, practical demonstrations, or hands-on experience, which can significantly increase the percentage of information remembered.

In the context of training, recognizing that auditory information alone is not enough can encourage trainers to provide comprehensive learning experiences that engage multiple senses, thereby improving overall retention and application of information.