Dane's Cone of Experience. GNB

 A Synopsis of Dale's Cone of Experience

According to Lee and Reeves (2007), Dale’s Cone of Experience is a learning model introduced by Edgar

Dale that illustrates the concreteness levels of learning experiences based on the medium. It takes the shape

of an inverted cone, which shows the abstract learning experience at the peak and progresses into the most

concrete experiences down to the base. Despite its shape, it’s not meant to be a basis of what mediums are

the least or most effective. Its levels are not arranged in a hierarchy. Dale emphasizes that the Cone is

merely a visual analogy of the progression of abstract learning experiences to concrete ones. Similarly,

it represents that the more concrete the learning experiences are, the more senses are involved–seeing,

hearing, tasting, touching, and feeling.  In this article, we'll explore concrete learners' definition and

other important key elements of the cone of experience.

According to Dale in his book Audiovisual methods in teaching (3rd ed.). there are three (3) categories or modes of experience. This includes:

1. The Enactive: This stage has to do with learning by doing and has to do with direct , purposeful experiences. This stage is dependent on how the teacher presents a lesson and how well the student adapts and executes using dramatized experiences. According to Dale, in this stage one gets to know their students and their strong or weak points, so in other words, know your student and their different learning styles. For example: In a classroom, when teaching a lesson, the educator can incorporate role plays and reverse teaching to get the students involved or to create a student centered environment.

2. The Iconic: At this stage one learns through observation. This is where one takes on a more iconic learning experience going beyond the simple text books. This stage involves a lot of visuals that appeal to the student, especially basing on grade or age levels. For example: taking students on field trips and exhibitions or using visual aids in the form of videos or lelvision to enhance the learning experience.

3. The Symbolic Experience: Dale coins that at this stage one learns by abstraction. As the name suggests this learning tenet is symbolic and is highly based on visually identifying symbols that can be used to appeal to the students and other visual learners.

Visual Representation of Dale’s Cone of Experience.

To my readers, educators and those aspiring, I leave you to let knowledge bestowed above resonate with you , but just to get you thinking , I ask?

1. How can a teacher use Dale’s Cone of Experience in the delivery of their lesson?

2. What kind of learning experience do you think can come from using this experience to manage one’s classroom?

3. What benefits does this instructional model provide in comparison to the constant use of textbooks?

4. Does this instructional model/experience truly enhance learning?

Reference:

Dale, E. (1969). Audiovisual methods in teaching (3rd ed.). New York: Dryden Press.

Lee, S. J., & Reeves, T. C. (2007). Edgar Dale: A significant contributor to the field of educational technology. Educational Technology, 47(6), 56.

By: Geovanni N. Bartley. B.Sc

November 2023