Breaking Down the 70 20 10 Principle: Understanding the Science of Effective Learning

Breaking Down the 70 20 10 Principle: Understanding the Science of Effective Learning

When it comes to learning and development, the 70 20 10 principle has become a popular method for maximizing results. This principle suggests that optimal learning occurs when 70% of the learning experience comes from on-the-job experiences, 20% from interactions with others, and 10% from formal educational events.

While this principle might seem intuitive, there is actually a lot of science behind its effectiveness. Here, we’ll break down the 70 20 10 principle and explore the reasons why it is such a successful strategy for learning.

The 70%: On-The-Job Experience

The majority of learning and development should come from on-the-job experience, or simply put, learning by doing. This includes tackling new challenges, taking on different roles or projects, and working through various scenarios and situations in the workplace.

Research shows that this form of learning is not only more effective, but also more efficient and cost-effective. As individuals are able to put their new skills and knowledge into practice immediately, they are able to improve their learning curve drastically in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional classroom-style learning.

The 20%: Interactions with Others

Learning from others – whether it’s through a mentor or collaborating with coworkers – is the second key element in the 70 20 10 principle. This form of learning can involve observing, asking questions, and receiving feedback from others in order to apply it to personal development.

This social learning is an incredibly powerful tool for skill development as it allows individuals to receive insight into new perspectives, strategies, and techniques they might not have known existed. Effective communication and collaboration with team members can accelerate an individual’s learning curve and maximize their personal growth.

The 10%: Formal Education Events

Finally, formal education events such as attending webinars, reading books, or taking classes make up the remaining 10% of the 70 20 10 principle. While this is the smallest fraction of the principle, it shouldn’t be overlooked since it offers a valuable opportunity to learn new knowledge and skills that can be applied to the workplace.

The key is to ensure that this 10% is focused on meeting specific goals and objectives, rather than simply attending events for the sake of it. This form of formal education can also offer a broader perspective on the industry in which the individual works, but the skills garnered from formal education events will need reinforcement through on-the-job practice and interaction with others to be effective.

Why the 70 20 10 Principle Works

So, why does this method of learning work? There are several reasons why:

– It Resonates with Our Natural Learning Process – We all learn best through real-life experience. The 70 20 10 principle puts this front and center into the learning and development process.
– I t Enhances Self-Reflection and Feedback– Reflection is a key element in learning. The 70 20 10 principle allows individuals to identify gaps in their own learning process and receive feedback on how to improve.
– It Encourages Social Learning – The principle encourages the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and skills with others in the workplace. Social learning proves to be a powerful tool for skill development and acceleration.
– It Strengthens Learning and Retention – By actively applying new knowledge immediately to on-the-job experiences, individuals are able to improve their learning curve and retention of information.

Conclusion

The 70 20 10 principle is an effective tool for learning and development. Embracing a focus on on-the-job experiences, interaction with others, and formal education events allows individuals to maximize their potential and quickly absorb new information for skill development. Employing this principle can lead to lifelong learning and ongoing personal growth, which are traits to be highly valued in any industry.