The Cone of Learning illustrates that approximately 90 percent of the amount of information is retained when it is:

The Cone of Learning, developed by Edgar Dale, demonstrates that the retention of information increases significantly when learners engage with content through multiple modalities. The concept encapsulates the idea that active participation in the learning process leads to better retention.

When information is both said and done at the same time, learners are actively involved in the process. This approach encourages physical engagement, which helps to reinforce what is being learned. For example, if a firefighter participates in a training drill while simultaneously discussing the principles behind the actions being performed, they are likely to remember the concepts much more effectively, as they have engaged both mentally and physically.

Retaining information is less effective when it is solely read or heard, as these methods involve passive absorption. Reading allows for some engagement, and hearing information is slightly more effective, but neither approach fosters the same level of involvement or kinesthetic learning that occurs when someone is actively performing a task while discussing it. The combination of doing and talking enhances cognitive connections and solidifies learning.