The learning pyramid shows that passive learning methods like lectures have very low retention rates of around 5-10%, while active, collaborative methods like discussion groups, practice by doing, and teaching others have much higher retention rates of 50-80% because learners are actively engaged at the bottom of the pyramid.

1. Learning Pyramid
Passive Observers Adults spend most
Low
of their time at the
Co
lla
top of the pyramid
bor
Lecture 5% Average
a
tion
Retention
Rates
Reading 10%
Audio-Visual
20%
Work at the
bottom of this Demonstration 30%
pyramid is where
the highest
collaboration and
Discussion Group 50%
likelihood of
retention exists. Practice by Doing Hig
Coh
llab
75%
ora
Teach Others/Immediate Use 80%
tion
Active Participants
Source: NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Sciences