According to Dr. Dale's Cone of Learning, students retain 90% of what they learn by:

Dr. Dale's Cone of Learning illustrates various methods of instruction and their impact on student retention. According to the cone, students retain the highest percentage of information through active engagement in the learning process. When students engage in activities that involve saying and doing—such as discussing concepts, teaching them to others, or actively participating in hands-on experiences—they develop a deeper understanding and memory of the material.

Active participation helps solidify knowledge because it requires students to articulate their understanding and apply what they have learned practically. This dual engagement of verbal and physical activity allows for more profound connections to be made in the brain, thereby enhancing retention. Consequently, students remember 90% of what they learn when they are actively involved in both explaining and performing tasks, which emphasizes the effectiveness of experiential learning and teaching through action.