Active, Passive & Neutral Learning with The Learning Pyramid

A Tool for Experimenting with How We Learn

When we think about learning, it’s tempting to assume that some methods work universally for everyone. However, one of the most exciting aspects of learning is its deeply personal nature—what works for one person might not work as well for another. This is where the Learning Pyramid can serve as a helpful guide. While not a scientific model grounded in empirical research, it’s a practical framework for conceptualising different learning approaches and gauging their effectiveness for retention.

What is the Learning Pyramid?

The Learning Pyramid ranks various learning methods in terms of their typical retention rates, from the most passive forms of learning (like listening to a lecture) to the most active (like teaching or immediately applying new information). It’s not a strict rule, but rather a reminder of the diverse ways we can absorb information, and how active engagement often leads to deeper retention.

Here’s a breakdown of the pyramid:

1. Lecture (5%) – Listening to a lecture, while a common teaching method, is often considered the least effective for retaining information.

2. Reading (10%) – Reading texts or notes provides a slight improvement over passive listening.

3. Audiovisual (20%) – Watching videos or multimedia presentations can help make information more memorable.

4. Demonstration (30%) – Observing a live or recorded demonstration of a skill or concept adds another layer of understanding.

5. Group Discussion (50%) – Actively participating in discussions allows learners to engage with the material, ask questions, and hear different perspectives.

6. Practice (75%) – Applying what you’ve learned through hands-on practice boosts retention significantly, as it encourages direct experience and problem-solving.

7. Teaching or Using Immediately (90%) – Teaching someone else or applying knowledge right away leads to the highest retention rate because it requires you to process the information in your own words and contexts.

Why the Pyramid is a Useful Tool (But Not a Rule)

While these percentages aren’t definitive, the pyramid serves as a useful conceptual model. It encourages us to reflect on how different modes of learning contribute to our understanding. Importantly, it reminds us that passive learning (like listening or reading) may not always be enough on its own. More active engagement, such as discussing, practicing, or teaching, often leads to greater retention.

However, this doesn’t mean that passive learning is useless or that active learning methods always work best. Different learning environments, topics, and individual preferences all play a role in how we absorb information.

For example, reading may be extremely effective for someone who enjoys diving deep into a subject, while another person may find they retain more from group discussions where ideas can be debated and explored. Similarly, someone might excel in hands-on practice for skill-based learning (like cooking or coding), but benefit more from audiovisual aids when learning abstract concepts (like philosophy or history).

Experimenting with Learning Methods

The Learning Pyramid isn’t about following a set formula but about experimenting with different learning methods to see what works for you in different contexts. Here are some ways you can use it as a guide to better understand your own learning process:

• Pay attention to retention: After engaging in a learning activity—whether it’s listening to a podcast, reading a book, or practicing a new skill—ask yourself how much you’ve actually retained. Are there methods you found particularly effective for certain topics?

• Combine methods: The pyramid doesn’t imply that you should only rely on one method. In fact, combining passive and active methods can be very effective. For example, you might start by reading a chapter of a book (10%), watch a demonstration of the same concept (30%), and then discuss it with a study group (50%). Each layer of engagement adds depth to your learning.

• Consider the context: Not all methods are equally effective in every situation. For highly conceptual or theoretical subjects, discussion or demonstrations may work well. But when it comes to skills like writing or coding, practice and teaching others may be the most effective.

• Reflect on your learning style: Everyone has different learning preferences. Some people thrive on visuals and demonstrations, while others prefer to learn through discussion or independent reading. Use the Learning Pyramid to reflect on what combinations of methods help you retain information and, more importantly, enjoy the learning process.

Here is an excerpt about experimenting with different learning methods from my social change handbook, The Changemaker In You (2021)— you can read/listen to the free audiobook and ebook via the School of Social Impact.

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When learning about an issue, try to engage in a range of different learning methods and give yourself an outlet to engage in the issue, like attending an exhibition, watching a demonstration, participating in a hands-on-workshop, designing a collaborative lesson, designing a presentation, or practising a skill, so that you engage deeper into the topic and achieve better learning outcomes. 

This doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds. When I was younger, I was a keen scrapbooker and kept a scrapbook of all of the things I learnt about, displaying them in an aesthetically pleasing way to my friends at Girl Guides. 

I kept a personal blog throughout my university years where I shared book reviews and posts about topics I learnt about, so I had a way of sharing what I learned. Having a public platform held me accountable for a certain standard of work. When I wanted to learn more about a particular issue, I chose it as a topic for my university essays and presentations. These days, I make videos for my YouTube channel about the things I’m learning on my journey as a changemaker. There’s no limit to the way you can engage deeper in learning; it’s all about finding what is most exciting for you. 

While reading, listening or watching things might only provide a retention rate of 10-30%, I think it’s important not to overlook how valuable books, podcasts, and movies or shows can be as a source of understanding the world better. This is because they are all contemporary storytelling methods, and biologically, we are far more receptive to storytelling than we are to facts, statistics, and logic...

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These days, I keep commonplace books as a way of reflecting upon, applying, and synthesising the things I learn.

Making Learning a Balance of Active, Passive & Neutral

The real takeaway from the Learning Pyramid is that learning isn’t passive. The more we engage, interact, and apply what we’ve learned, the more likely we are to retain it. So, instead of feeling stuck with traditional learning methods (like lectures or readings), think of the pyramid as an invitation to explore different ways of learning. Teaching, practicing, and discussing aren’t just more active—they can be more fun and meaningful too.

Lifelong learning is a journey that requires intentionality and structure. For me, this structure is grounded in a balanced interplay between three distinct modes of learning: active, passive, and neutral. Each mode serves a unique purpose, and together they enable a holistic approach to personal and professional development. By consciously assessing how I allocate time across these modes, I ensure that my learning is effective, sustainable, and aligned with my goals. Here's how I approach and balance these modes in my life.

Active Learning: Creating, Doing, and Sharing

Active learning is output-focused. It is where the process of creation, practice, and sharing occurs. Activities like writing, teaching, presenting, or applying knowledge in real-world settings fall under this category. Active learning is powerful for retention because it transforms abstract concepts into tangible expressions.

The Learning Pyramid suggests that teaching others and engaging in hands-on activities result in the highest retention rates. When I teach a concept, whether by mentoring a colleague, giving a workshop, or explaining a new idea to a friend, I solidify my own understanding. Similarly, producing output—be it an article, presentation, or even a strategic framework—helps crystallise my thoughts and reveal gaps in my understanding. This active engagement is essential for mastering complex ideas.

Passive Learning: Observing, Absorbing, and Reflecting

Passive learning is input-focused. It encompasses activities like reading, attending lectures, listening to podcasts, or watching videos. This mode lays the foundation for knowledge acquisition. While retention rates are generally lower for passive activities compared to active engagement, they are vital for exposing myself to new ideas and perspectives.

I use passive learning to stay updated in my fields of interest and to explore interdisciplinary connections. To enhance retention, I often annotate texts, summarise key takeaways, or discuss what I’ve learned with others. Passive learning is also my go-to mode during times of mental fatigue, as it allows for engagement without the cognitive load of immediate output.

Neutral Mode: Connecting, Integrating, and Incubating

Neutral learning is the often-overlooked mode where connections are made. It represents the process of integrating information and synthesising new ideas. Neutral activities include brainstorming, journaling, or even engaging in meditative or reflective practices. This mode is about giving myself space to let ideas incubate and evolve.

For instance, when I take a walk after reading a dense academic paper, I often find that unrelated concepts merge to form a fresh perspective. Neutral learning is where the magic of creativity happens. It’s the bridge between input and output, allowing me to transform passive consumption into active production.

Balancing the Modes

Balancing these three modes requires intentional planning and regular self-reflection. Here are some of the strategies I use:

1. Weekly Reviews: At the start of each week, I assess my upcoming activities to ensure a balance between input, output, and integration. For example, if my week is packed with meetings (active mode), I make time for reading or journaling (passive and neutral modes).

2. Thematic Days: I dedicate certain days to specific modes. For instance, Mondays might focus on passive learning, such as catching up on research, while Wednesdays emphasise active output, like writing or creating presentations.

3. Feedback Loops: After completing active tasks, I reflect on what I’ve learned and identify areas for further exploration. This practice ensures that my active work is informed by and contributes to my passive and neutral efforts.

4. Micro-Breaks for Neutral Thinking: I incorporate short breaks into my day to facilitate neutral learning. These might include a five-minute mindfulness exercise, a quick walk, or simply sitting quietly to let ideas settle.

The Learning Pyramid provides a helpful framework for evaluating the effectiveness of different learning activities. While I aim to prioritise higher-retention activities like teaching and practising, I acknowledge that passive and neutral modes are equally essential for building a comprehensive knowledge base. The key is to use the pyramid as a guide rather than a prescription, tailoring my approach to the demands of each situation.

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In the end, learning is a deeply personal journey. The best way to absorb new information is to experiment with different methods and embrace the ones that feel most natural for you and the topic you’re exploring. The Learning Pyramid is just a guide to help you on that journey, reminding you that active engagement can often unlock the deepest understanding.

So, the next time you’re learning something new, ask yourself: How can I take this further? Can I practice it, teach it, or discuss it with someone else? With a little experimentation, you might find a learning method that turns information into long-lasting knowledge.