Learning Pyramid

AKA

Cone of Learning
Cone of Retention
Learning Cone
Pyramid of Learning
Pyramid of Retention

Focus

Ranking the effectiveness of learning activities

Principal Metaphors

  • Knowledge is … information
  • Knowing is … using information
  • Learner is … an information processor (individual)
  • Learning is … inputting (and associated computer-based notions, such as processing, storing, and retrieving)
  • Teaching is … transmission (of information)

Originated

1960s

Synopsis

The Learning Pyramid is a ranking of the effectiveness of different activities that are intended to support learning. The original version (shown below) has been the inspiration of many similar models, all of which associate active engagement with profound and resilient learning (at the bottom of the pyramid) and passive listening/seeing with superficial and unreliable learning (at the top of the pyramid). learningpyramid A precursor to the Learning Pyramid is:
  • Cone of Experience (Edward Dale, 1940s) – a 10-level model of different types of learning experiences, with most concrete experiences at the bottom and the most abstract at the top. Associated with Cognitivism, it was intended as a tool to render efforts to influence learning more efficient and effective.

Commentary

It would appear that the Learning Pyramid is not based on any substantial or robust evidence. For that matter, it doesn’t seem to be associated with any robust theorizing. Rather, to our analysis, it appears to be a reformatting of the assumptions of Learning Styles Theories, intended to affirm the conviction that prevailing teaching practices are not aligned with the preferred modalities of most learners. In other words, the model is rooted in unsubstantiated-but-popular Folk Theories. (Note: There are very many other pyramid-shaped models of learning, cognition, consciousness, and/or development. See, e.g., Developmental Discourses, Conscious Competence Model of LearningDIKW Pyramid, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.)

Authors and/or Prominent Influences

Edward Dale; National Training Laboratories Institute

Status as a Theory of Learning

The Learning Pyramid is not a theory of learning.

Status as a Theory of Teaching

The Learning Pyramid is a descriptive taxonomy that is intended to be useful in efforts to influence learning. That is, it is a theory of teaching.

Status as a Scientific Theory

The Learning Pyramid meets none of our criteria for a scientific theory.

Subdiscourses:

  • Cone of Experience

Map Location



Please cite this article as:
Davis, B., & Francis, K. (2024). “Learning Pyramid” in Discourses on Learning in Education. https://learningdiscourses.com.


⇦ Back to Map
⇦ Back to List