How increased the Children learning Retention from 10% to 90%

Although education alludes to creativity, however, the majority of the world’s educational systems are centred on reading, observing, and listening. Students retain (Children learning) only 10–30% of the material they study in school as a result of this and forget the rest. Children’s attention spans are incredibly short, and they cannot be engaged in one activity for a long time. Retention can be boosted by up to 90% by involving children in practical work, discussions and teaching

The findings of Edgar Dale’s study

Edgar Dale (born in the United States in the nineteenth century) researched children’s learning and founded the Dale’s Cone learning paradigm. It appeals to me greatly. I frequently discuss it in teacher training and also teach the Dell approach to teachers. I want instructors and parents to adopt this way so that instead of memorising books, our students can learn and become creative.

According to Edgar Dale’s research, children only retain 10% of the material they read. If the teacher tells the students what to do and they listen, they will retain up to 20%. They can retain up to 30% if it is presented in the form of photos and movies. With discussion, children retain up to 70%. Likewise, involving students in teaching others and doing practical work, helps them retain 90% of their information.

Why hasn’t it been implemented across the institutions?

This study (1969) found that children did really well in terms of retention. In the best educational institutions, the same method is applied. However, it has not yet been fully integrated into all major educational institutions’ instructional systems. It is tough for teachers to adopt because it is not part of the system. Teachers try to prepare the student for the examination (especially in board classes). It is extremely difficult for the teacher to divert from the objectives in 40 minutes. When there are no board exams in primary school, the teacher is free to accompany the child as s/he wants.

What are the possibilities for teachers?

We should make this research an intrinsic part of our instruction as educators. We must develop all of the required abilities to keep children and the classroom creatively engaged. Discussion approaches are a less expensive and more creative way to engage students in learning. This prevents children from memorising information and prepares them for comprehension. In addition to the debate, role-playing increases the children confidence, which may aid in the discussion.

What are the possibilities for parents?

The majority of parents have little or no experience with education and are unaware of teaching and learning techniques. Parents are engaged with their financial responsibilities rather than spending time with their children, especially in underdeveloped nations schools. Parents should keep in touch with a teacher in these situations. Contact with teachers means, s/he will prioritise your child. Furthermore, parents should ask about their children’s schooling and assignments. These simple questions will help the children to learn rather than memorise.

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Traditional education faces numerous issues, the most pressing of which is student learning. Students studying is not a priority in developing countries schools where parents are outraged by financial responsibilities. Because today’s child is our future, we are defining it. To creatively engage our learners; institutions, teachers, and parents must follow Dale’s Cone.

Learn mor about children learning.

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