Learning Pyramid: The Core of Learning is also ‘Proactive’

The learning pyramid is a theory of modern learning methods proposed by learning expert Edgar Dell in 1946.

It is actually a model that visually displays in numerical form how much learning content learners can still remember after two weeks using different learning methods.

In the learning pyramid, learning methods are divided into eight levels, from the top to the bottom, and the learning effect gradually increases: the top is “listening”, which is the traditional classroom teaching mode.

Although information is transmitted quickly, learners’ participation and memory retention rate are extremely low, and the retention rate of learning content after two weeks is only about 5%.

Next is’ reading ‘, self-study reading materials, although slightly better than listening to lectures, it is still a relatively passive way, with a retention rate of about 10% after two weeks.

Then there is “audio-visual”, using multimedia methods. The application of multimedia can increase the fun of learning, but it still fails to stimulate learners’ initiative, and the retention rate can reach 20% after two weeks.

Further down is the ‘demonstration’, watching demonstration learning can help better understand certain concepts, but further practice is still needed, with a retention rate of about 30% after two weeks.

When it comes to “group discussions”, sharing and discussing within the group can promote thinking collisions and make knowledge more deeply retained.

After two weeks, the retention rate can reach 50%. This is where we start to engage in active learning.

Practice exercises “, hands-on practice or drills, with a retention rate of up to 75% after two weeks.

Finally, at the base of the pyramid, the learned knowledge is immediately applied or taught to others, creating an effect of “output forcing input”.

Memory and comprehension abilities reach their peak, and after two weeks, the retention rate can reach an astonishing 90% or even exceed 90%.

The inspiration of learning the pyramid is that, as you can see, the learning pyramid model is actually telling us that active learning (such as discussion, practice, and teaching others) has huge advantages in memory and understanding compared to passive learning (such as listening and reading).

So, based on this theory, what learning suggestions can we get. Diversified learning methods: During the learning process, try not to be limited to a single learning method.

Combining diverse learning forms such as audio-visual, discussion, and practice can enhance the fun and effectiveness of learning.

Strengthening proactive learning: Participating in discussions, practicing, and teaching others are effective methods to enhance proactive learning.

Through practice, we can concretize abstract theories, making them easier to understand and apply. Timely review and feedback: After learning, timely review should be conducted to deepen memory and consolidate learned knowledge through various forms of testing (such as doing exercises, explaining, etc.

). Developing teamwork skills: In group learning, in addition to improving learning efficiency, it can also cultivate teamwork and communication abilities.

These skills will be indispensable in future work and life. When building your own learning system, you can leverage the multi-level learning methods provided by the learning pyramid to create an effective and enjoyable learning experience.

Firstly, starting from the fundamental level, combining reading and audio-visual materials, acquire necessary knowledge and information; Next, through demonstrations and group discussions, share your understanding with others to promote cognitive collision; Then, enter the practical practice stage, apply the learned knowledge to practical scenarios, and consolidate memory; Finally, by teaching others, not only can one deepen their own understanding, but it can also create a virtuous cycle of ‘output driving input’.

Through this systematic learning process, you will be able to comprehensively grasp knowledge, improve learning effectiveness, and achieve sustained growth.

At the end of the learning pyramid, the core lies in actively learning, trying different levels of learning methods, “output drives input”, and “teaching is learning”.

When we try to impart knowledge to others, we are forced to organize and deepen our own understanding, making it easier to remember and apply this knowledge.

As the famous saying goes, ‘Teaching is the best way to learn. ‘ In our interactions with others, we are not only disseminators of knowledge, but also participants in learning.

How about it, is learning pyramids super useful. Go and try these learning suggestions, I believe you will have a different harvest.