​Learning is the process of accumulating knowledge. There are learning conditions,
models and methodologies which create more immediate and durable knowledge.​
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The oldest, most effective method of learning is learning-by-doing (experiential learning).  It was and still is the basic methodology of human evolution.
  • Interrupt patterns (this changes attitudes and expectations)
  • Use physical-interactive activities and initiatives which involve participants intellectually, emotionally and physically.
  • Make the experience fun (participants are engrossed in the process).
  • Use challenges that require full use of abilities, energy and resources
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What we learn and the quality of the learning is mediated by our involvement in the learning process. It is difficult to quantify the knowledge gained as a function of the involvement in the learning process but learning research gives some guidelines. A very useful example is the Experience and Learning Cone by Edgar Dale. His model gives approximations of what we tend to remember for different levels of involvement in the learning process. 

In passive verbal receiving
We tend to remember 10-20% of what we read and hear.

In passive visual receiving
We tend to remember 30-50% of what we see and hear.

In active receiving and participating
We tend to remember 50-70% of what we say.

In active doing
We tend to remember 70-90% of what we both say and do.
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​​Increased stress (demands) increases the opportunity to learn (for example pattern interrupts and tests). But too much stress causes shutdown and there is very little learning. This can be represented by the graph below.




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Therefore, one must learn to manage the stress to create the most the optimum learning opportunity. ​​

Learning is the process of accumulating knowledge – something we have done our entire lives.
Learning how to learn creates more immediate and durable knowledge
and enhances a fuller participation in the life process.

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Contact: hematthews@gmail.com