Plain English Meaning

How well a student remembers what they were taught — and can still use it correctly later, not just right after the lesson.

Full Definition

The ability of a learner to hold onto knowledge and skills over time and recall or apply them accurately when needed. Retention is influenced by how meaningfully the material was learned, how often it is used or reviewed, the learner's motivation and attitude, and the way the instruction was originally presented.

Context Anchor

Seen in instructor training, lesson planning, review flights, and decisions about whether a student is ready to move on or needs more practice.

Derivation

Retention comes from the Latin retinere, meaning 'to hold back' or 'keep.' In learning, it is the act of keeping knowledge in the mind rather than letting it slip away.