According to the Cone of Learning Model, what percentage of information do students retain from what they hear?

The Cone of Learning Model, developed by Edgar Dale, illustrates how different methods of learning impact retention rates. According to this model, when students receive information solely through auditory means—such as listening to a lecture or presentation—they typically retain only about 20% of that information. This emphasizes the effectiveness of interactive and experiential learning methods, which promote higher retention rates.

This model suggests that students are more likely to remember material when they engage with it through different methods, such as seeing, doing, and teaching what they have learned. By understanding this retention dynamic, educators can better design their instructional strategies to enhance learning outcomes, focusing not just on what students hear, but incorporating visual and hands-on experiences for deeper comprehension and memory retention.