But L&D heads remain sceptical as model suggest formal training doesn’t work
The 70:20:10 model of learning is more than just a training fad, it can help predict better organisational success, according to research that suggests it is the most effective learning model.
A study by business transformation consultancy Towards Maturity found that learners that keep to the ratio that 70 per cent of knowledge should come on the job, 20 per cent comes from observing others, and only 10 per cent comes from formal training classes will be much better equipped.
The research revealed that staff following this model were four times more likely to demonstrate a faster response to business change (30 per cent vs 7 per cent); were three times more motivated (27 per cent vs 8 per cent) and were twice as likely to report improvements in customer satisfaction scores.
The results document the experiences of 1,600 learners across the globe, and form the basis of the just-published '70+20+10=100: The Evidence Behind the Numbers' report.
Towards Maturity said that better learning outcomes are gained using this model because the ratio acts as a good rule of thumb that then enables a culture of continuous learning to flow. It found organisations who stick to this methodology will naturally be four times more likely to provide staff with access to job aids; four times more likely to encourage managers to support learning, and eleven times more likely to help staff find what they want through content curation.
Laura Overton, founder of Towards Maturity, said: “What is clear from our analysis of the 70:20:10 methodology is that organisations active in these areas are delivering better benefits than those who are not.”
However, the study also found that many L&D heads remain sceptical of 70:20:10 because it implies formal learning doesn’t work and that the model was simply a way to justify cutting training budgets. Survey results also showed that some L&D heads felt the ratio numbers were set in stone. However, Towards Maturity said such negative or restrictive perceptions were “myths”.
Overton argued that the findings must act as a wake-up call to L&D heads to consider using the model in their own organisations, Currently, just 47 per cent of L&D professionals use the model to shape their learning approach, the survey found. This is despite the fact 90 per cent of staff said they prefer to learn from their peers.
Claudio Erba, CEO of learning management service provider Docedo, said: “We’ve long believed that people learn and retain more through informal channels than they do through formal means. This study presents a clear case for not only adopting the 70:20:10 framework, but for establishing a deeper-level workplace culture that’s powered by social and informal learning.”
The study also found those who do use the 70:20:10 model are two times more likely to analyse business problems more thoroughly; three times more likely to involve users in the design of their learning; and seven times more likely to use spaced out learning to aid retention of information.
Martin Baker, founder of the Corporate eLearning Consortium, said: “Finally, we have some independent research that shows how 70:20:10 is making the impact that both business and L&D leaders are looking for. And it goes further. It also helps identify the skills needed by managers and L&D leaders to turn the benefits of applying 70:20:10 into reality.”