Skip navigation

Making the 70/20/10 model actually work: How to drive real behavior change with L&D

The 70/20/10 model reflects how people really learn. Here’s how to use it to drive real behavior change.

An office team is standing around a table with their laptops discussing a project.An office team is standing around a table with their laptops discussing a project.

Table of contents

Insights from Ellen Raim, Founder of People MatterWe focus more on solving than preventing People problems.

If you're serious about behavior change, it's time to stop treating learning as a one-time event.

The 70/20/10 model is a roadmap for how adults actually learn—and more importantly, how they change. That’s why it should sit at the heart of every modern L&D strategy.

The breakdown:

Let’s start with a quick refresher on the 70/20/10 model:

  • 70% experiential learning: Learning by doing, skills built through real work and practice
  • 20% social learning: Learning from peers, mentors, collaboration and feedback
  • 10% formal learning: Structured courses, workshops and educational content

Yes, formal training matters. But lasting behavior change only happens when knowledge moves beyond the classroom. It has to be used, challenged, discussed and refined in real-world contexts. Otherwise, you’re just checking a box.

Why it matters

Programs that stop at formal learning don’t lead to change. If you skip the doing and the discussing, you’re stuck with shelfware—courses that check a box but never change a habit. They offer great content, but no continuity. No practice. No reinforcement.

Behavior change happens when:

  • People actually do the work (70%)
  • They talk about it, get feedback, and reflect (20%)
  • They understand the concepts through training (10%)

Miss a piece, and you miss the impact.

How Electives brings 70/20/10 to life

Electives was built around this model. Here's how each piece shows up in practice:

70%: Learning through experience

Electives’ AI simulations give employees a safe space to practice skills like conflict resolution and giving feedback. It’s realistic, repeatable and builds real confidence. From tough feedback conversations to conflict resolution, learners build confidence and skill through hands-on experience.

20%: Learning through others

Social learning thrives in Electives’ classes.

Private Classes keep the learning focused and team-specific. Think live dialogue, peer input, instructor engagement—all within your company.

Membership Classes break down silos. They bring learners into cross-company cohorts for dynamic exchange, fresh perspectives and broader networks.

10%: Formal learning

Every Electives class is led by an expert. Content is sharp, relevant and designed to stick.

Live and recorded formats offer flexibility. Post-class resources keep the learning going with recordings, handouts, and exercises to deepen retention.

The action 

If your current learning strategy is too focused on content and not enough on practice and feedback, it’s time to rebalance. The 70/20/10 model works when you actually use all of it.

With Electives, your people don’t just learn. They do. And that’s how behavior change happens.

Learn live. Adapt faster.

Latest resources

Learn more about creating a culture of learning throughout our resources below.

How to build employee connection that drives engagement and performance
Electives team
 
Jun 19, 2025

How to build employee connection that drives engagement and performance

Create a culture where relationships, collaboration and shared learning drive lasting connection and retention.
Why strong professional development programs drive business growth
Electives team
 
Jun 18, 2025

Why strong professional development programs drive business growth

Professional development programs can do more than support employee growth. Design programs that build critical skills, drive performance and strengthen retention.
How to build change-ready teams that drive business resilience
Electives team
 
Jun 17, 2025

How to build change-ready teams that drive business resilience

Change is constant. Learn practical ways to build change-ready teams through leadership skills, team learning, mindset and everyday practice.
5 secrets to keeping employees motivated at work
Electives team
 
Jun 12, 2025

5 secrets to keeping employees motivated at work

Here are 5 ways to help employees stay motivated and engaged at work.
Culture + collaboration
Why continuous learning is key to business agility
Electives team
 
Jun 11, 2025

Why continuous learning is key to business agility

Continuous learning helps organizations stay ready for change. Explore practical ways to build a learning culture that drives agility and stronger business outcomes.
Learning best practices
Supporting employee wellbeing: A key driver of motivation and retention
Electives team
 
Jun 10, 2025

Supporting employee wellbeing: A key driver of motivation and retention

What drives employee wellbeing at work? It’s not the perks. It’s everyday culture, leadership and learning that supports resilience and growth.
Culture + collaboration

View all posts

ENJOYABLE. EASY. EFFECTIVE.

Learning that works.

With live learning + AI simulations, Electives is a learning platform that makes it easy to design, execute and measure effectiveness.

Request a demo

Request a demo

Learn more

Learn more