Discover how instructional design makes training more effective by increasing learner engagement, improving knowledge retention, and ensuring real-world results.

Share This Post
4Mat training instructional design

Ever walked out of a training session feeling energised—only to realise weeks later you can’t remember much of it, let alone apply it?

You’re not alone. Research shows we forget up to 70% of new information within 24 hours (Ebbinghaus, 1885). This steep drop-off, known as the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve, reveals a major challenge in workplace learning: how do we make training stick?

It’s not just about having a great facilitator. The real difference often comes down to instructional design—the way training is planned, structured, and delivered to help people build knowledge and apply it in the real world. It’s more than just presenting content—it’s about making learning engaging, relevant, and practical.

In workplace settings, good instructional design is the difference between a session people forget and one that actually changes how they work.

Common reasons training fails

Training that fails to transfer back into the workplace often suffers from these common pitfalls:

  • Lack of relevance – If learners don’t see how the training applies to their real-world challenges, they disengage and zone out.
  • One-size-fits-all approach – Everyone learns differently, but many programs fail to accommodate diverse learning styles.
  • Information overload – Cramming too much content into a short session overwhelms learners and reduces retention.
  • No practical application – If there’s no opportunity to apply new knowledge, people forget it quickly.
  • Poor engagement – Passive, lecture-heavy sessions which lack interaction, make it harder for learners to stay focused.

These issues aren’t just frustrating for participants—they waste time, resources, and fail to deliver real business outcomes or ROI.

How instructional design enhances learning

A well-designed training program:

  • Creates emotional and cognitive engagement.
  • Aligns the content with real-world applications.
  • Uses active learning strategies such as discussions, case studies, and simulations.
  • Caters to different learning styles and uses varied instructional methods.
  • Reinforces learning through spaced repetition.

The 4MAT® model: a framework for high-impact instructional design and training

One of the most effective ways to design engaging, memorable, and results-driven training is through the 4MAT® model. This structured approach ensures that learners connect with content, understand key concepts, apply learning in practice, and adapt it to new situations.
Developed by Dr Bernice McCarthy, 4MAT® turns learning into action by aligning how people learn with how content is designed and delivered.

4mat Graphic

The 4MAT® approach to instructional design follows four key stages:

1. Why? (Building personal relevance)

People learn best when training connects to their own experiences. When learning relates to real-world challenges and personal interests, it becomes meaningful and memorable. Starting with scenarios, challenges, or reflective questions creates an emotional connection, making the content more engaging and easier to retain.

2. What? (Delivering key concepts clearly)

For learners to retain information, it must be clear, structured, and engaging. A mix of videos, visuals, case studies, and discussions improves understanding and reinforces learning in different ways. Well-organised content is easier to absorb and apply.

3. How? (Applying learning through practice)

Knowledge remains theoretical and easily forgotten unless it’s applied. Role-playing, case studies, real-world simulations, workplace activities, and coaching provide hands-on opportunities to reinforce learning and build practical skills.

4. What if? (Encouraging adaptation and innovation)

For learning to stick, learners must adapt and apply their knowledge in different situations. This stage strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, and retention, ensuring training leads to real workplace impact.

By following this approach, training moves beyond delivering information—it engages, reinforces, and has participants put the learning into action.
Academic research shows that 94.5% of learners taught using the 4MAT® Model outperformed those taught through traditional methods—demonstrating better recall, application, and real-world results.

Well-designed training sticks and delivers results.

It’s not enough to pass on information. Training should help people understand, retain, and apply what they’ve learned on the job. By combining solid instructional design principles with the 4MAT® model, you can create structured, engaging, and practical learning that actually works.

With the right design, training doesn’t just inform—it transforms.

Want training that actually sticks?
We design programs using the proven 4MAT® model to make learning engaging, practical, and easy to apply in the real world. Whether you need support designing your next program or want to upskill your team in learning design through our Learning About Learning workshop, we can help.

Contact us on 03 9510 0477 or click below.

contact ldn >>

Want to know more about the 4MAT® approach and Learning About Learning?
Watch our webinar presented by Melissa Williams, CEO of LDN and only one of five experts worldwide awarded 4MAT® Master Certification.

REQUEST A COURSE OUTLINE AND EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN THE LEARNING ABOUT LEARNING WORKSHOP

What's your prefered way of us contacting you? *