Skip to content

Glossary · Skills development

The 70-20-10 model

The 70-20-10 model says we learn roughly 70 percent through tasks, 20 percent through others, and 10 percent through courses and formal training.

The 70-20-10 model is a rule of thumb for how adults learn on the job. The largest share happens when solving tasks and trying something new. A smaller share comes through sparring, feedback, and colleagues. The smallest share comes from formal learning such as courses.

The numbers are not precise measurements. The point is that a course rarely does the job alone. It works best when tied to practice and to conversations with colleagues and managers.

Use the model when planning. Let the course provide the shared foundation, and then plan where it will be practiced and who follows up.

Want to see what it looks like in practice?

We show you Skillflow with a course like yours – from the first course to documented completion.