The Cone of Experience was developed by Edgar Dale as a way to illustrate the relationship between different forms of learning and the level of engagement and retention they promote. The model was intended to help educators understand how to create effective learning experiences that promote active engagement and long-term retention of information.
By categorizing different forms of learning based on their level of concreteness and experientiality, the Cone of Experience provides a framework for thinking about how to design instruction that aligns with how people learn. According to Dale, the most concrete forms of learning, such as doing, are more effective in terms of engagement and retention because they allow learners to experience concepts and skills in a concrete, hands-on way. This makes the information more relatable and easier to understand for learners.
Additionally, the Cone of Experience also serves as a reminder for educators to vary the forms of instruction they use, as using different forms of instruction can support multiple ways of learning and can appeal to different types of learners.
Moreover, it helps to plan the most effective way of teaching and learning. It gives guidance on how to deliver information in the most suitable format, taking into account the learning objectives and audience characteristics.
It’s important to note that while the Cone of Experience is widely recognized and often used as a reference in education, it has not been empirically validated. Therefore it should be used as a rough guide rather than a rigid rule.
The Cone of Experience consists of a series of levels, with the most concrete and experiential forms of learning at the base, and the most abstract forms at the top. The levels are:
- Doing: At this level, learners are actively engaged in hands-on activities, such as experiments, simulations, and role-playing. This is the most concrete and experiential form of learning.
- Seeing: At this level, learners observe real-life examples or demonstrations of a concept or skill. This includes activities such as field trips, videos, and images.
- Hearing: At this level, learners listen to verbal presentations or explanations, such as lectures, podcasts, and audio recordings.
- Reading: At this level, learners read text, such as books, articles, and written explanations.
- Abstract conceptualization: At this level, learners engage in abstract thinking and problem-solving. This includes activities such as brainstorming, debates, and logic puzzles.
According to Dale, the most concrete forms of learning, such as doing, are more effective in terms of engagement and retention, because they allow learners to experience concepts and skills in a concrete, hands-on way. The abstract forms of learning, such as abstract conceptualization, are less effective in terms of engagement and retention, but they do still have value in promoting deep understanding and critical thinking.
It’s important to note that while the cone of experience is widely recognized and often used as a reference in education, it has not been empirically validated. Some researcher debate over its validity.