No, the statement "Do you remember 90% of what you teach?" is a misinterpretation of the learning pyramid concept. The commonly cited learning pyramid suggests that we retain 90% of what we teach others. This refers to the act of teaching as a learning activity, not the passive retention of information after teaching it.
Understanding the Learning Pyramid
The learning pyramid, often attributed to Edgar Dale, illustrates different learning methods and their relative effectiveness in knowledge retention. While the exact percentages are debated and lack rigorous scientific backing, the core idea is that active learning methods lead to better retention than passive ones.
- 10% Reading: Passive absorption of information.
- 20% Hearing: Listening to a lecture is more active than reading, but still largely passive.
- 30% Seeing: Visual aids enhance understanding, but retention remains relatively low.
- 50% Discussion: Active participation through discussion boosts retention.
- 70% Practice: Hands-on experience significantly increases retention.
- 80% Teaching Others: Explaining concepts to others solidifies your own understanding.
- 90% Doing: Applying knowledge in real-world situations is the most effective method.
It's crucial to understand that the 90% figure refers to the retention rate while actively teaching, not the long-term memory retention of the material after the teaching process is complete. After teaching something, the level of retention will depend on various factors, including the teaching method, the learner's engagement, and how well the material was assimilated.
The Importance of Active Learning
The learning pyramid highlights the significance of active learning techniques. Instead of passively absorbing information, learners should actively engage with the material through discussion, practice, and teaching others. This active engagement strengthens memory encoding and retrieval processes, leading to better retention.
Therefore, while teaching something might help you remember it better than simply reading or listening, it doesn't guarantee a 90% retention rate indefinitely.
