Most meaningful learning doesn’t happen when someone is teaching us.
It happens when we’re doing, struggling, observing, and figuring things out along the way.

That simple truth is the foundation of the 70–20–10 framework, a learning model that feels real because it reflects how humans actually grow—at work, in education, and in life.

Rather than treating learning as something that only happens in classrooms or courses, the 70–20–10 framework recognizes learning as a continuous, lived experience.

Understanding the 70–20–10 Framework

At its core, the framework breaks learning into three sources:

• 70% – Learning through experience

• 20% – Learning through others

• 10% – Learning through formal education

It’s not a strict formula or a rulebook. Think of it more as a lens—a way to see where real growth comes from.

The 70%: Learning by Doing (Where Growth Actually Happens)

This is the part most people recognize instinctively.

We learn fastest when we’re hands-on—solving problems, making decisions, failing, adjusting, and trying again. This is where confidence is built and skills become second nature.

In education, this could mean:

• Project-based learning

• Real-world simulations

• Practical assignments

• Internships or live problem-solving tasks

Modern digital learning platforms are increasingly designed to support this experiential layer. Well-designed E-Learning App Development Services now focus on interactive modules, real-time challenges, and applied learning rather than passive content consumption.

Because learning sticks when it feels real.

The 20%: Learning Through People (The Human Multiplier)

No one grows alone.

The 20% represents learning through mentors, peers, instructors, managers, and communities. This includes feedback, observation, discussion, and shared experiences.

We learn when:

• A mentor shares what not to do

• A peer explains something in plain language

• A teacher challenges our assumptions

• A group discussion opens new perspectives

Modern eLearning Application Development Services increasingly emphasize collaboration—discussion boards, live sessions, peer reviews, and mentor access—because human interaction accelerates understanding in ways content alone never can.

The 10%: Formal Learning (Still Important, Just Not Enough)

This is the traditional side of learning:

• Courses

• Certifications

• Workshops

• Structured lessons

Formal education gives us foundations, vocabulary, and shared understanding. But on its own, it rarely leads to mastery.

That’s why forward-thinking institutions partner with an Education & eLearning App Development Company to design platforms where structured learning supports experience and collaboration—rather than replacing them.

Why the 70–20–10 Model Works So Well Today

The reason this framework feels timeless is simple:
It mirrors human behavior.

We don’t learn to swim by reading.
We don’t learn leadership from slides.
We don’t learn problem-solving without facing problems.

In 2026 and beyond, many of the Top eLearning App Development Companies in 2026 are building platforms aligned with this reality—blending content, community, and experience into a single learning journey.

(You’ll notice the best platforms don’t feel like “training tools” at all—they feel like ecosystems.)

Applying the 70–20–10 Framework Using Digital Learning Platforms

Modern learning platforms make this framework practical:

• 10% → Structured courses, microlearning, certifications

• 20% → Live classes, mentor access, peer collaboration

• 70% → Projects, simulations, assessments, real-world tasks

That’s why organizations increasingly rely on scalable E-Learning App Development Services to bring this balance to life digitally.

(And yes—when done right, learners actually enjoy the process.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the 70–20–10 framework suitable for schools and universities?

Yes. It works especially well when combined with project-based learning, internships, and collaborative activities.

Can the framework be implemented in online learning?

Absolutely. Modern e-learning platforms are ideal for supporting all three layers through content, interaction, and experiential modules.

Is the 70–20–10 model scientifically fixed?

No. It’s a conceptual framework—not a rigid formula. The value lies in the mindset, not the numbers.

Does formal education still matter?

Very much. It provides structure and clarity—but works best when combined with experience and interaction.

Conclusion: Learning Is Human Before It Is Educational

The 70–20–10 framework succeeds because it respects something fundamental:

Humans learn through experience, relationships, and reflection—not just instruction.

Education becomes powerful when it mirrors life, not when it isolates itself from it.

Call to Action (CTA)

If you’re looking to build a future-ready learning platform aligned with how people truly learn, explore custom eLearning Application Development Services designed for real engagement, real growth, and real outcomes.