How Binders Aid Retention

Learning and retention are hot topics for any trainer, but less so for professionals whose primary role focuses on something else. Typically, the human resources department of an organization is tasked with ensuring that employees know. There are many methods to utilize when creating training materials. Sometimes, organizations focus on the format in which the materials are handed out and less so on the quality of the products. This is where our turned edge binders can improve the quality of new employee onboarding.

Turned edge binders are ideal for HR trainings for a few reasons. When an employee wants or needs information on something specific, it’s not very likely that they will search through a learning module for the information. The ability to pick up a quality binder and quickly flip to the information is much more useful. Turned edge binders also provide a tactile experience. For some learning styles, this helps with retention.

Binders Support Adult Learningbinders aid retention

Some things which HR departments need to consider when creating materials include these facts about adult learning:

  1. Adult learning is autonomous
    Adults are old enough to make their own decisions, right? So when learning, they need to feel the freedom to make their own choices. This is where giving them the option to skip and return to modules as well as go at their own pace (electronically or via the turned edge binders) is an important aspect to training.
  2. Incorporating knowledge and life experiences increases retention
    Being able to connect past experiences and knowledge base with new things helps things *stick*. Trainings which can pull out relevant experiences not only interest attendees (because they can relate) but also helps them frame the knowledge.
  3. Keep things goal-oriented
    Building on the previous two tips: in order to keep employees on task and engaged through their experiences, it’s important that lessons have a goal or have a clear outcome. In order to maximize the learning potential, it’s important to set timeframes for completion. Providing hard cover binders alongside an e-module turns into an open-book test of sorts, which eases anxiety.
  4. Learning should be relevant and practical
    Make it clear how these lessons tie in to their productivity or ability to do their job better. Additionally, using examples which help ground theoretical concepts helps enhance understanding.

Turned edge binders have a longer shelf life and tend to be more durable. Customers can easily make these binders their own as the covers can be printed digitally or offset to match your organization’s branding. Add ins, like pockets and adhesive trays, also increase their functionality.

Loose Leaf Binders: 4 Functions for a Classic Product

In a world where digital information is king, why do we still need loose leaf binders? For many, the first experience with a three ring binder is through school. Homework crammed chaotically into our take home binders.  That's what many think of when they think of loose-leaf binders.

Believe it or not, the looseleaf binder is a relatively new invention.  And with this simple concept, the uses for binders has only grown over time. As a custom binder manufacturer, Rose Packaging works with many customers to bring their binder vision to life. And believe us, the days of the chaotic three ring binders are long gone. Here are some of the uses we see most often.

loose leaf binders

Let Us Count the Uses for Loose Leaf Binders

  1. The most common use is for organizing financial information. Whether personal or otherwise, sensitive financial documents really only hold value if they are original. This means holding on to printed copies of contracts, tax statements, and so on. Though it's common to handle financial matters online, it's important to have a back-up.
  2. Loose leaf binders are also helpful tools for portfolios and professional work samples. When interviewing for a new job or promotion, you wouldn't depend on using the interviewer’s computer to show your past work, right? Using a three ring binder of your portfolio is another common use of ring binders.
  3. The third most common use of 3-ring binders is what we at Rose Packaging can create: promotional packets and presentation materials. Companies use binders to organize presentation materials that promote their business and the services they provide. Professionals in these roles are often called upon to give presentations. Binders are great leave-behinds because they contain all pertinent information and if done right, they are customized with your brand logo and mission statement.
  4. The last most common uses for loose leaf binders are on a personal scale. Think collections of recipes, photos, and scrapbooking purposes.

3 Ring Binders Continue to Grow, Change & Evolve

At Rose Packaging (based in Colorado), we have seen many iterations of loose leaf binders. Organizations use them for a variety of purposes, and we love the variety that customization provides our customers. If you are interested in learning more about how looseleaf binders might be a good fit for your organization, reach out to our sales team today!