The Learning Pyramid offers some great wisdom for how to do successful recovery. Developed by educational theorist Edgar Dale, the conclusion is that people learn more effectively when they participate in the learning process.
The first four layers of the pyramid are passive learning. In order from least effective to most effective, they are: lecture, reading, audiovisual, and demonstration.
The top three layers are active learning activities. Again, in order from least effective to most effective, they are: group discussion, practice by doing, and teaching others.
The lesson for recovery is clear. The least effective ways to learn recovery come by listening to presentations and reading books. The most effective way to learn recovery is to help others.
It’s called the 12th Step. And it works every time.
Recovery Step: Jesus was the original Pyramid Learning expert. His final admonition to his disciples still works today: “Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).
