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

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.