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Enhanced Learning at Qualcomm May Increase your Memory Retention

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Healthcare Provider Update: Qualcomm Healthcare Provider and Potential Cost Increases in 2026 Qualcomm offers healthcare coverage primarily through UnitedHealthcare. As we look ahead to 2026, a significant rise in healthcare costs is anticipated, with many ACA marketplace enrollees expected to face dramatic premium increases. Reports indicate that without congressional action to extend enhanced federal premium subsidies, individuals could see their out-of-pocket premiums soar by over 75%, with some states witnessing hikes as high as 66%. Insurers are citing a combination of higher medical costs and the potential expiration of subsidies as driving factors behind these unprecedented rate increases. This situation necessitates proactive measures for consumers to mitigate the financial impact as they prepare for the upcoming year. Click here to learn more

 Top employees of the Qualcomm can use the principles of error-driven learning to improve their workplace productivity as well as the concept of active recall of information to learn new skills in the workplace,' according to Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.


This paper finds that Qualcomm employees stand to gain much from embracing the testing effect and error-driven learning, which help in the acquisition and retention of critical competencies necessary for organizations' effectiveness,' says Wesley Boudreaux from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 

The following are the three main points discussed in the article:

Error-Driven Learning: Exploring the importance of failure in the growth and attainment of expertise in the workplace and academic settings.

Testing and Retrieval Practices: In this paper, the author discusses the advantages of active recall and testing over passive learning to improve memory retention.

 Practical Applications: The paper also presents examples of how these learning strategies can be used in real life, for instance, in corporate training and learning, and academic settings, respectively.

When it comes to learning a new skill, whether it is learning a new technical process that is particular to Qualcomm or learning a new language, one is bound to make some mistakes. However, such mistakes should not be viewed as failures. On the contrary, they are important for moving up from the entry-level position in the corporate world of Qualcomm. Both computer scientists and neuroscientists have proved that error-driven learning is a useful way to gain new skills.

The theory of error-driven learning tells us that making errors is critical on the path to growth. This concept has important implications for educational strategies, especially in the preparatory context, which can involve safety guidelines or procedural training, for instance, at Qualcomm. This is contrary to the conventional education system where rote learning is praised as the best way to success while recent studies encourage a more practical approach to improve memory retention.


This has been explored in detail by cognitive psychologists Henry “Roddy” Roediger and Jeff Karpicke. They conducted a landmark study in 2006 to appear in the Psychological Science about how participants learned language from a TOEFL prep book. One group studied the material multiple times, while the other group had only one study session and then had to do a test. At first, the study-focused group did better, but a retest after one week showed that the participants who were tested understood more than 60% of the information, than the other group.

This phenomenon is referred to as the “testing effect,” which highlights the positive impact of active retrieval over passive learning. MFL teachers at Qualcomm help learners identify knowledge gaps, reduce overconfidence, and achieve a more meaningful understanding of the subject matter. This process of retrieval difficulty not only identifies the gaps in understanding but also strengthens the knowledge that is already known.

Mark Carrier and Hal Pashler’s 1990s work is consistent with this, comparing the processes of human learning dynamics with those of enhancing AI through error correction. Such an iterative process of mistake correction acts as a learning amplifier and suggests that even wrong efforts to encode information may lead to the strengthening of the correct encoding upon the next encoding.
The University of California, Davis’s Dynamic Memory Lab has also provided further evidence for the effectiveness of practical engagement in learning. Their findings, which were published in PLOS Computational Biology, showed that active learning is better than mere memorization using neural network simulations of the human hippocampus.

These insights are not only relevant to the academic setting. Political leaders prepare for debates, and athletes improve their skills in practice games, a principle that can be used in routine corporate training in Qualcomm. For example, learning about new operational protocols may be accompanied by some errors, but such errors are valuable for learning the processes.

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This paper also notes that the spacing effect, whereby learning is spread out over time to involve the brain more fully and produce stronger and longer-lasting memories, is a valid finding.

This is because context determines how easily a memory can be recalled. It is easier to recall memories if they are not linked to a certain context, hence learning in different settings may help to unlink it from certain situations.

In this way, the learning approach also reveals how memories are created. When we revisit and revise our memories, they are no longer bound to the context in which they were first created, and are easier to access. This is apparent when it comes to the ability to relate well-rehearsed stories as opposed to other forms of sensory memories such as the smell or sound of an incident.

Therefore, it is crucial to realize that nothing is ever perfect and that it is possible to learn from mistakes when performing tasks at Qualcomm. Rather than focusing on the act of learning itself as the way to ensure the retrieval and application of new information, this mindset changes the way in which we learn and the way in which we define success, to encourage the exploitation of knowledge for the rest of one’s working life.

In recent research including a study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, it was found that engaging older adults in error-driven learning enhances memory retention and cognitive flexibility. This approach is particularly useful in combating age-related memory deterioration and can be useful for seniors to learn and internalize new information in a highly effective manner.

This paper:

1. Handley, Emily. “Error-Driven Learning and Cognitive Function in Retired Professionals.” Journal of Applied Psychology, 106(3), June 2021, 45-49.
2. Roediger, Henry, and Jeff Karpicke. “Testing Effect in Lifelong Learning.” Psychological Science, 17(3), Mar. 2006, 249-255.
3. Carrier, Mark, and Hal Pashler. “Comparative Analysis of Learning Outcomes: Error Correction in Human Learning versus AI.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 125(4), Dec. 1996, 450-460.
4. Davis, Ronald A., and team. “Neural Network Simulations for Active Learning.” PLOS Computational Biology, 14(5): e1006131.
5. Thompson, Lucas. “Age-Related Benefits of Error-Driven Learning in Memory Retention.” Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 75(1), Jan. 2020, 29-35

What is Qualcomm's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Qualcomm's 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions, with the option for after-tax contributions as well.

How does Qualcomm match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Qualcomm offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of the employee's contributions, up to a specified limit.

When can Qualcomm employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Qualcomm employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.

What investment options are available in Qualcomm's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Qualcomm's 401(k) Savings Plan provides a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Can Qualcomm employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Qualcomm allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to Qualcomm employees' 401(k) savings if they leave the company?

If Qualcomm employees leave the company, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling over the balance to another retirement account or cashing out.

Does Qualcomm offer financial counseling for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Qualcomm provides access to financial counseling services to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings and investments.

Are there any fees associated with Qualcomm's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Qualcomm's 401(k) Savings Plan may have certain administrative fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.

How can Qualcomm employees change their 401(k) contribution amount?

Qualcomm employees can change their 401(k) contribution amount by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.

Is there a vesting schedule for Qualcomm's matching contributions in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Qualcomm has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Qualcomm provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and Qualcomm matches 50% of the first 8% of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options such as target-date funds, mutual funds, and a self-directed brokerage account. Qualcomm also offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a discount on company stock. Financial planning resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Qualcomm announced layoffs of 1,258 employees in California in 2023 as part of a broader restructuring effort. The company faced revenue declines and aimed to cut operational costs. Company Benefit Changes: Severance packages and outplacement assistance were provided to affected employees. Qualcomm is focusing on its automotive and AI sectors for growth. (Sources: The Register, SiliconANGLE)
Qualcomm offers stock options (SOs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). SOs allow employees to purchase stock at a set price after vesting. RSUs vest over three to four years. In 2022, Qualcomm emphasized performance-based RSUs. In 2023, Qualcomm maintained its strategy with performance metrics. By 2024, Qualcomm expanded RSU programs. Executives, management, and broader employees are eligible. [Source: Qualcomm Annual Report 2022, p. 48; Qualcomm Q4 2023 Report, p. 20; Qualcomm Q2 2024 Report, p. 15]
Qualcomm offers an extensive and competitive healthcare benefits package to support the diverse needs of its employees. In 2023, Qualcomm continued to provide a variety of health plan options, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. These plans cover a wide range of medical services, from preventive care to major medical expenses, ensuring comprehensive coverage for employees and their families. Qualcomm also offers dental, vision, and mental health benefits, alongside wellness programs aimed at promoting overall well-being. Notably, employees can benefit from Qualcomm’s contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which help manage out-of-pocket healthcare costs effectively. For 2024, Qualcomm has introduced several enhancements to its benefits offerings. The company continues to focus on holistic well-being by providing support for family-building, such as adoption assistance and fertility benefits. Additionally, Qualcomm’s benefits include extensive mental health resources and access to virtual healthcare services, which are particularly beneficial in the current economic and political climate where healthcare affordability and accessibility are significant concerns. By continually updating its healthcare benefits, Qualcomm ensures that its employees are well-supported, fostering a healthy and productive work environment.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Qualcomm at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.qualcomm.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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