Recently updated on January 15th, 2026
What is The Learning Pyramid?
The Learning Pyramid was first created by education specialist Edgar Dale in the 1940s. In his book “Audio-Visual Methods in Teaching”, Dale referred to it as the “Cone of Experience”. It was later further developed and re-named “The Learning Pyramid” by National Training Laboratories Institute.
The learning pyramid is an illustration that identifies the seven methods of learning, and the effectiveness of each method in terms of knowledge retention. These percentages were borne from research conducted by the National Training Laboratories Institute.
The pyramid is split into two parts; active and passive. The active learning methods have a higher percentage of learning retention, compared to the passive. Let’s take a look at each of them now:
The Learning Pyramid methods
Passive learning methods
- Lecture
- Reading
- Audio visual
- Demonstration
Active learning methods
- Group discussion
- Practised by doing
- Teaching others
Is the Learning Pyramid a myth?
If you’ve spent any time in the learning and development world, you’ve probably heard debates about whether the Learning Pyramid is factually accurate or just another training myth.
The Learning Pyramid is still widely referenced in education and training, but its exact retention percentages are not scientifically validated – such as learners retaining 5% of what they hear in a lecture versus 90% of what they learn by teaching others.
The original research that promoted these percentages (that we mentioned above), by National Training Laboratories was never fully published, and the underlying data and methodology are no longer available. Which is were the “myth” comes into play. Because of this, the pyramid shouldn’t be treated as a precise or evidence-based measurement of how much learners retain.
However, the pyramid is a popular instructional model that visually illustrates differences in methods, and the core principle remains useful.
Modern learning science consistently supports the core principle behind the model: learners retain and understand more when they actively engage with content rather than passively consume it. Activities like discussion, practice, reflection, problem-solving, and teaching others have been shown to produce deeper learning than listening to lectures or reading alone.
For training providers, its ongoing relevance lies in the question it prompts: How active, applied, and learner-centred is the training experience we’re designing?
The value of active learning models in training
Even though the exact percentages in the Learning Pyrdamid aren’t scientifically grounded, active learning strategies (doing, discussing, teaching others) do lead to deeper understanding and better retention than purely passive methods (reading, listening).
Established cognitive science principles that are strongly researched and support this include Hermann Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve. Ebbinghaus’ research shows that people rapidly lose information if they don’t actively review or apply it. In some cases, a large proportion of newly learned material can be lost within days or hours if no reinforcement occurs.
Active learning directly counters this effect. When learners are required to use information, rather than simply absorb it, they strengthen memory pathways and improve recall. Activities like group discussion, hands-on practice, real-world problem solving, and explaining concepts to others force learners to retrieve and apply knowledge — which is far more effective for retention than passive exposure.
For instructor-led and blended learning environments, this has important design implications. Lectures, presentations, and readings still have a place — but they’re most effective when combined with opportunities for learners to interact, practice, reflect, and apply what they’ve learned.
The pyramid is not suggesting that we rule out “passive” learning methods altogether. But there are always ways to do it better.
So how do we improve passive learning in instructor-led training?
How to improve “passive learning” in ILT
With “lecture” and “demonstration” being the main methods of instructor led training, it’s clear that ILT sits firmly in the “passive learning methods” section of the pyramid. Traditionally, a lecture has been based on students listening to a trainer for a lengthy period of time, with little to no interaction between learners themselves. And this is where ILT can really step up its game – by incorporating more active learning methods into lecture sessions. Particularly through the methods of “group discussion” and “teaching others”.
The good news is there’s a wide range of tools available to support this way of learning – in live ILT sessions think of using collaboration tools like Zoom breakout rooms, Zoom and Miro whiteboards. For pre-course and post-course think of ways you can connect learners via forums, Facebook and LinkedIn groups where they can collaborate, support and continue to teach each other.
8 tools to encourage collaboration
- Breakout rooms
- Online whiteboard
- Polls
- Online chat
- Surveys
- Activities
- Forums
- Social Media
While demonstration still sits in the “passive” part of the pyramid, it does have the highest percentage of knowledge retention when compared to other passive forms of learning. Typically, an instructor demonstrates how something is done in a practical step-by-step manner. This type of learning is common and an important aspect in many courses. For example, in First Aid, where an instructor may demonstrate CPR on a dummy.
Passive methods still have an important role to play in training delivery, particularly in delivering a large amount of theory and for practical demonstrations. “Audio visual”, while passive, can also be used effectively during lectures to increase engagement. And with the rise of online learning, they’re becoming popular methods in themselves to deliver key information outside of lectures.
And while there are plenty of ways to improve passive learning experiences, the real key message here is the power of learning via a mixture of delivery methods. By incorporating the whole learning pyramid into your training program you cater to all styles of learning, giving each individual learner a higher chance of retaining knowledge.
This mixed method style of learning lends itself well to the blended learning approach. But how do you design a blended learning course that incorporates all areas of the learning pyramid?
Related read: The Ultimate Guide to Training Management Systems
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Blended learning
Blended learning means providing course content in a variety of delivery formats; including face-to-face, live online webinar, quizzes, video, podcasts and surveys. Not only does it provide a richer learning experience than any one format on its own, it creates flexibility and the ability to cater to various learning styles – covering off all of those methods in the learning pyramid.
Let’s look at an example of how a blended learning course might be structured. A blended course made up of individual elements that utilize different methods of learning.
- 30-minute class introduction video. Once learners have registered for a course, they are automatically given access to an eLearning portal. There they watch a 30-minute video that introduces the key learning concepts of the course.
- Short survey or quiz. Learners complete a short quiz or survey that tests their existing knowledge. This is helpful for both learners and trainers. Trainers can use the information to cater the course accordingly.
- Half-day classroom or live online course. Learners participate with the option of a live online webinar or classroom delivery. Typically made up of lecture and demonstration elements, there should also be lots of breakout rooms, group discussions and activities incorporated here. By following a demonstration with an activity, learners are required to put that knowledge into practice.
- eLearning Modules. Complete eLearning modules online in the LMS. Consider giving your learners the choice of listening to a podcast, watching an on-demand video, or reading the content. They can choose the method they prefer, depending on what best suits their learning style.
- Quizzes. Each of the eLearning modules have an accompanying quiz designed to test knowledge retention.
- Online forum. Learners connect with fellow students, and even past students, to continue discussions and lean on each other for peer support. Consider even a peer tutoring system between past and present students.
- Follow-up survey. Learners complete a follow-up survey several weeks or months after the course to re-iterate key learnings and test knowledge retention. One requirement could be for learners to provide feedback on how they have put their course learnings into practice.
The elements you include, and how much they make up of a blended learning course, will depend entirely on the type of course you offer. Some courses may have more face-to-face elements, while others have more eLearning modules.
But the key to successful blended learning is to provide variety in learning methods. Blended learning is an easy way to include all elements of the learning pyramid; helping to keep learners engaged and increase knowledge retention.
eLearning modules and microlearning: extending active learning beyond the classroom
As training delivery evolves, so too do the ways learners engage with content. One of the biggest trends in modern training design is the rise of eLearning modules and microlearning.
Rather than relying solely on classroom time or long self-paced courses, microlearning breaks complex topics into bite-sized chunks that learners can complete quickly and efficiently. These focused segments fit seamlessly into busy schedules, are easier to digest than lengthy manuals, and align with cognitive science principles about how the brain processes and retains information. By reducing cognitive load and delivering content in manageable pieces, microlearning helps reinforce key concepts and support long-term memory.
Short, interactive modules can include quizzes, scenarios, videos, or quick activities that keep learners actively involved in the learning process instead of passively consuming content. That active participation — whether it’s testing knowledge, applying a concept, or reflecting on a prompt — echoes the engagement models at the base of the Learning Pyramid, helping learners connect with material more meaningfully.
With the arrival of Arlo’s new elearning tools, training providers can now build and deliver elearning and blended learning directly within the Arlo platform, without relying on third-party systems.
You can create rich, interactive elearning modules using drag-and-drop editors and AI tools. Blend elearning with live instructor-led training sessions to create a cohesive learning journey that meets learners where they are, whether they prefer online, in-person, or hybrid delivery.
The Learning Pyramid in 2026: What does it mean for training providers?
In 2026, the real value of the Learning Pyramid isn’t in its retention percentages, but in the questions it prompts about learning design. How much of the experience asks learners to actively engage? Where are they applying, discussing, practising, or teaching what they’ve learned? And how are those experiences supported before, during, and after live training?
Modern learning science reinforces what the pyramid has long suggested: learning sticks when learners do something meaningful with information over time. Active learning, reinforcement, variety in delivery methods, and opportunities for reflection all play a critical role in helping learners move from knowledge acquisition to real-world application.
For training providers, this means moving beyond single-format delivery and designing learning journeys that combine instructor-led training, interactive activities and discussion, elearning and microlearning, ongoing reinforcement and follow-up.
Blended learning makes this approach more achieveable than ever. By thoughtfully combining passive and active methods – and extending learning beyond the classroom – training providers can create experiences that are more engaging for learners and more effective at driving long-term outcomes.
With Arlo, you can deliver an effective and engaging blended learning course that incorporates all of those elements into an experience that your learners will love.
Find out more in the Ultimate Guide to Blended Learning.
FAQs
The Learning Pyramid was first created by education specialist Edgar Dale in the 1940s. In his book “Audio-Visual Methods in Teaching”, Dale referred to it as the “Cone of Experience”. It was later further developed and re-named “The Learning Pyramid” by National Training Laboratories Institute.
The learning pyramid is an illustration that identifies the seven methods of learning, and the effectiveness of each method in terms of knowledge retention. These percentages were borne from extensive research by the National Training Laboratories Institute.
The pyramid is split into two parts; active and passive. The active learning methods have a higher percentage of learning retention, compared to the passive.
Lecture.
Reading.
Audio visual.
Demonstration.
Group discussion.
Practiced by doing.
Teaching others.
Group discussion, Practiced by doing and Teaching others.
Lecture, Reading, Audio visual, and demonstration.
The most effective learning method is learning via a mixture of delivery methods. In other words, blended learning.
Short answer: yes. In 2026 the Learning Pyramid is best used as a conceptual framework.
It’s a useful visual reminder that effective training design prioritises engagement and application, especially in instructor-led and blended learning environments, but it shouldn’t be used to justify rigid instructional rules or specific retention claims.
Modern learning science consistently supports the core principle behind the model: learners retain and understand more when they actively engage with content rather than passively consume it. Activities like discussion, practice, reflection, problem-solving, and teaching others have been shown to produce deeper learning than listening to lectures or reading alone.
If you’ve spent any time in the learning and development world, you’ve probably heard debates about whether the Learning Pyramid is factually accurate or just another training myth.
The Learning Pyramid is still widely referenced in education and training, but its exact retention percentages (such as “5% from lectures” or “90% from teaching others”) are not scientifically validated. Which is were the “myth” comes into play.
The original research often attributed to the National Training Laboratories was never fully published, and the underlying data and methodology are no longer available. Because of this, the pyramid shouldn’t be treated as a precise or evidence-based measurement of how much learners retain. But the core principle remains useful.
Modern learning science consistently supports the core principle behind the model: learners retain and understand more when they actively engage with content rather than passively consume it. Activities like discussion, practice, reflection, problem-solving, and teaching others have been shown to produce deeper learning than listening to lectures or reading alone.
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