Transmission is the process by which information, knowledge, ideas
and skills are taught to others through purposeful, conscious telling,
demonstration, and guidance. Over the course of a lifetime, this method
accounts for only about 10% of learning. Unfortunately, this is the most
traditional and, currently, the most predominate method of instruction.
However, we are finding out it is not very effective and moving toward
acquisition and emergence, and examining the lessons of accretion.
Acquisition is the conscious choice to learn. Material in this
category is relevant to the learner. This method includes exploring,
experimenting, self-instruction, inquiry, and general curiosity. Currently,
acquisition accounts for about 20% of what we learn.
Accretion is the gradual, often subconscious or subliminal, process
by which we learn things like language, culture, habits, prejudices, and social
rules and behaviors. We are usually unaware that the processes involved in
accretion are taking place, but this method accounts for about 70% of what we
know. Social learning certainly plays into this type of learning, as does the
hidden or covert curriculum.
Emergence is
the result of patterning, structuring and the construction of new ideas and
meanings that did not exist before, but which emerge from the brain through
thoughtful reflection, insight and creative expression or group interactions.
This form of learning accounts for the internal capacities of synthesis,
creativity, intuition, wisdom, and problem-solving. This method is greatly
dependent on the allocation of time, and opportunities to reflect and construct
new knowledge. This method plays an important