Active Learning

Theory

We can learn by reading, listening and having experiences. The best way for most people is often a combination, but with a strong active component, as the tables below show. Note also how the second table indicates how a strong follow-up with practice, feedback and coaching strengthens learning even more.

Learning Recall Related to Type of Presentation

Presentation

Ability to Recall

after 3 hours

after 3 days

Spoken lecture

25%

10-20%

Written (reading)

72%

10%

Visual and verbal (illustrated lecture)

80%

65%

Participatory (role plays, case studies, practice)

90%

70%

Adapted from: Dale 1969.

Training Components

Skills Attained

Transfer to Job

Theory
+

10-20%

5-10%

Demonstration
+

30-35%

5-10%

Practice
+

60-70%

5-10%

Feedback
+

70-80%

10-20%

Coaching
+

80-90%

Adapted from: Joyce and Showers 1981.

Discussion

“What I hear, I forget;
What I see, I remember;
What I do, I understand.”

– Old Chinese proverb, sometimes attributed to Confucius

Active learning engages the whole person, not just the intellectual mind. When people try to do things and fail or succeed, emotions are triggered, and these have a significant effect on how we remember.

So when you are teaching or persuading someone, and particularly if you want them to remember things, get them actively involved.

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Active Learning

Theory

Learning Recall Related to Type of Presentation

Table 2. Transfer of Learning

Discussion

So what?

See also

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