What percentage of information do learners generally retain from what they read?

Learners generally retain about 10% of the information they read. This statistic underscores the importance of using a variety of instructional methods to enhance retention. Reading alone is often less effective than other learning modalities, such as visual aids, hands-on practice, or interactive discussions.

The 10% retention rate can be attributed to a lack of engagement with the material. When learners simply read without actively processing the information, their recall significantly diminishes. To improve retention, educators often encourage learners to take notes, summarize information, or discuss what they’ve read with others, which can help deepen understanding and memory retention.