Skip navigation

How To Make the 70/20/10 Model Actually Work

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

Table of contents

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.

Workplace holidays to celebrate in October
Electives team
 
Sep 1, 2026

Workplace holidays to celebrate in October

Plan October 2026 workplace holidays with inclusive observances, celebration ideas and a month-by-month holiday calendar from Electives.
Culture + Collaboration Resources
What is an AI workforce, and how do you build one?
Electives team
 
Aug 27, 2026

What is an AI workforce, and how do you build one?

Learn what an AI-enabled workforce is, why it matters and how HR leaders can build, measure and scale AI adoption across teams for lasting results.
Innovation + Productivity Resources
How to use AI at work
Electives team
 
Aug 26, 2026

How to use AI at work

Learn how to use AI at work with practical steps your team can apply right away. Build real skills, spark behavior change, and see measurable results fast.
Innovation + Productivity Resources
8 AI-first culture building blocks for HR leaders
Electives team
 
Aug 14, 2026

8 AI-first culture building blocks for HR leaders

Access is not adoption. Build an AI-first culture with eight people systems that turn AI tools into changed work.
Culture + Collaboration Resources
People Developing People: Helping people feel part of something bigger.
Jason Lavender
 
Aug 11, 2026

People Developing People: Helping people feel part of something bigger.

Ferrero's VP of People Experience on why leadership builds belonging and why HR work must connect to business goals.
People Leader Interviews
Celebrating National Compassionate Leadership Week
Electives team
 
Aug 11, 2026

Celebrating National Compassionate Leadership Week

Plan National Compassionate Leadership Week with 2026 dates, celebration ideas and leadership training topics for HR and L&D teams.
Leadership + Management Resources

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