- The writer explains Edgar Dale’s Learning Pyramid (Cone of Learning), which ranks study methods by retention rate — from passive lecture (5%) and reading (10%) to active practice-by-doing (75%) and teaching others (90%).
- The model distinguishes passive methods (lecture, reading, audio-visual), which involve low learner engagement and weaker retention, from active methods (demonstration, discussion, practise, teaching), which drive deeper, longer-lasting learning.
- The piece highlights teaching others as the most effective method, tying it to the Feynman Technique, and outlines its steps for simplifying and mastering concepts through explanation.
The Learning Pyramid, also known as the Cone of Learning, explains methods sedulous students often opt to adopt to attain and retain knowledge. Deftly, the model depicts that active learning leads to better understanding and long-term retention as compared to passive learning. It was proposed by Edgar Dale. Therefore, also called Dale’s Cone of Experience.
The Learning Pyramid focuses on levels of learning from top to bottom. More so, how students master and memorise content taught. By distributing percentages, this is how it cascades: Lecture 5%, reading 10%, audio-visual 20%, demonstration 30%, group discussion 50%, practise by doing 75% and teaching others 90%. Active learning is powerful. So, students should enhance retention through practise, discussion and teaching others. Too true; variety makes learning both enjoyable and memorable. No wonder it is important to merge many methods. Then, the more senses involved, the stronger the encoding.
In the levels of learning, some are passive whereas others are active. Passive ones include: Lecture, reading and audio-visual. In these three, the learner is less involved. Leading to low retention. No wonder, it is only suitable for basic introduction. Conversely, active learning methods include: Demonstration, group discussion, practice by doing and teaching others. In those three, there is high learner involvement. Hence, enhancing long-lasting-learning.
ALSO READ:
The Let Them Theory: Why Kenya needs to stop living for other people’s approval
- Lecture — 5% Retention
At the top of the pyramid is the traditional lecturing or passive listening. It is when students listen to a teacher explain a concept without note-taking or discussion. When students only listen to teachers talk — like in a classroom or seminar setting — they remember a limited amount of information. This is because their brains are not actively processing or applying information.
- Reading — 10% Retention
Ideally, reading improves the level of learning and understanding, but it is still a passive activity. Without interaction or practise, students forget content read or mined from credible sources of knowledge. More so, books. Therefore, to improve levels of mastery, they should take notes, highlight key concepts and summarise information through top tips such as note-making, text-marking and text-annotation.
- Audio-Visual — 20% Retention
Visuals such as videos, charts and diagrams assist students in the gelling of ideas. They also pique interest and stimulate mastery, even memory. In the laws of mastery and memory, there is the Law of Senses, where memory masters argue that involvement of multiple senses enhances massive powers of memory. Combining sight and sound engages more senses. No wonder it is important to integrate ICT into teaching and learning. So, students can watch educational documentaries. Or dote on animated explainer videos.
- Demonstration — 30% Retention
When students see a concept demonstrated — such as a teacher performing a certain Science experiment — Somewhat, they stand to understand the process better. Meaning, demonstration helps them bridge theory and practice by showing how something works. Instead of just explaining stuff. This underscores the essence of having more practical lessons in Science — Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Discussion Group — 50% Retention
Actually, when students discuss, they solidify and fortify comprehension of concepts. Then, discussion is a form of collaborative and interactive learning. When students sit to discuss, they process, analyse and explain ideas. So, they comprehend and attain retention.
- Practise by Doing — 75% Retention
Active participation — like solving Mathematical problems, attending to projects, or performing tasks — Enhances learning to some reasonable extent. Broadly, when students “learn by doing”, they apply knowledge, correct mistakes made, and remember learning experiences lucidly and vividly. They can engage in a project in Applied Sciences such as Computer Studies and Agriculture. Or practise a new language, coding or cooking after watching a particular tutorial.
ALSO READ:
Court upholds PSC’s new retirement ages for varsity academic staff, deals UASU a major blow
- Teaching Others — 90% Retention
Finally, at the base of the pyramid, is teaching others. Or peer teaching. It is teaching a friend. Or creating cogent content. Or mentoring others. It assists students to attain and retain content taught because explaining concepts to peers requires complete understanding and organisation of knowledge. It reinforces learning. It reveals glaring gaps in understanding. It is anchored on the Feynman Technique, and it assists students to understand concepts deeply by explaining them in simple words. It is named after Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize–winning physicist. It is an effective study method that focuses on learning by teaching and simplifying concepts, leading to strong understanding and academic success. It helps students to attain more mastery, identify gaps in knowledge, improve clarity, and to attain long-term retention.
How does it work? Select a topic. Write the name of the concept at the top of a page. Explain it simply as if teaching a child, newbie, novice or beginner. Use simple language, not technical terms. Identify gaps. Notice areas where the explanation is not clear. Re-visit books or notes to revise those parts. Simplify and review. Rewrite the explanation in even simpler words. Use examples and analogies. Review until the concept is crystal-clear. The idea is that if you cannot explain it simply, then it eludes your good grasp. Learning improves by teaching. Simplicity aids mastery and memory. So, this method improves conceptual clarity. Helps in long-term memory.
By Victor Ochieng’
Victor Ochieng’ rolls out academic talks and training services. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
