Learn the Way You Love to Learn: Combining 70-20-10 and VAK

In today's world, learning is anything but one-size-fits-all. Each of us has our own preferred way to acquire new knowledge and develop skills. Understanding your learning preferences helps you tailor your growth and discover which channels work best for you. Drawing from my experience in Learning & Talent Development, I have seen firsthand how two powerful models—the 70-20-10 framework and the VAK model—can merge to create a unique, personalized learning experience.

The 70-20-10 Model

This model breaks down learning into three key components:

• 70% Experiential: The bulk of learning happens through hands-on experience. Engaging in real-life scenarios allows you to practice and immediately apply what you've learned.

• 20% Social: Learning also occurs through interacting with others. Feedback, mentorship, and informal discussions enrich the understanding and retention of new insights.

• 10% Formal: Structured courses and training sessions provide the theoretical foundation that supports on-the-job learning and social interactions.

Within many organizations, this framework highlights that about 70% of learning comes from doing, underscoring the importance of “learning by doing.”

The VAK Model

On the other hand, the VAK model focuses on sensory preferences:

• Visual: Some people absorb information best through images, graphs, diagrams, and videos.

• Auditory: Others thrive when information is presented in a spoken format—through discussions, recordings, or podcasts.

• Kinesthetic: For some, learning is enhanced through physical engagement and hands-on practice via simulations, workshops, or other active methods.

Current trends indicate that many learners strongly favor visual channels, as graphic representation of data can simplify complex concepts. However, auditory and kinesthetic elements also play a vital role in reinforcing the learning process, complementing our modern, dynamic lifestyles.

Creating a Unique Learning Experience

Combining 70-20-10 and VAK isn’t about choosing one over the other—it’s about harnessing the strengths of both. Imagine a workshop (the 70% experiential component) that integrates clear, engaging visuals (the VISUAL from VAK) and includes interactive, hands-on activities (the KINESTHESIC). Additionally, incorporating discussions or feedback sessions (the 20% social element) can make the auditory (AUDITORY) channel come to life.

For example, imagine you want to improve your presentation skills. Based on my preferences, I could choose some of the following actions to help develop that skill:

For professionals in training, instructional design, or Learning & Development, it’s crucial to understand how participants prefer to learn. By identifying the dominant channels—whether it's the hands-on experience emphasized in the 70-20-10 approach or the visual elements highlighted by VAK—we can adapt our content to better engage our audience and achieve impactful learning outcomes.

Discover Your Learning Preferences

Understanding your personal learning style is the first step toward designing a development journey that truly works for you. To help you explore your preferences, here are two quick and insightful tools:

• 70-20-10 Learning Preference Snapshot While there isn’t a widely standardized diagnostic for this model, you can reflect on your current learning habits using this self-assessment guide from Growth Engineering. It offers a practical breakdown of how your learning time is distributed across experiential, social, and formal channels.

• VAK Learning Style Questionnaire Curious whether you're more visual, auditory, or kinesthetic? Take this free VAK Learning Styles Quiz by HFE or try the interactive VAK Test on ProProfs to uncover your dominant sensory learning mode.

These tools are not about labeling yourself—they’re about gaining insight. Once you know how you learn best, you can start designing experiences that align with your natural preferences and stretch into new areas for growth.

Final Thoughts

Investing in understanding your own learning process is the first step toward continuous professional growth. By merging the robust experiential focus of the 70-20-10 model with the personalized sensory approach of the VAK model, you open the door to a transformative educational experience. This blended approach not only bolsters your own development but also guides us—educators and designers—in crafting environments that recognize and nurture individual learning styles.

Have you ever reflected on your favorite way to learn? Have you ever reflected on your stakeholders favorite way to learn?