THE CONE OF EXPERIENCEBY EDGAR DALE

Enactive – direct experiencesDirect, Purposeful ContrivedDramatized

Iconic – pictorial experiencesDemonstrationsStudy tripsExhibitsEducational televisionMotion picturesRecordings, radio, still

picturesSymbolic – highly abstract

experiencesVisual symbolsVerbal symbols

Direct Purposeful Experiences

Contrived Experiences

Dramatized Experiences

Demonstrations

Study Trips

Exhibits

Educational Television

Motion Pictures

Recordings, Radio Still Pictures

Visual SymbolsVerbal Symbols

EDGAR DALE’S CON

E OF EXPERIEN

CE

Degr

ee o

f Abs

tracti

on

(ABSTACT)High

(CONCRETE)Low

Levels of the Cone of Experience

Concrete Vs. Abstract Learning

Abstract LearningDifficulty to do and

corporateLearner have limited

control over the outcomeBase on schema or past

experience

Verbal Symbols This level is the most complex and abstract among all the components of the Cone of Experience. Only symbolic representations, but they still can be quite powerful and flexible.

As we use language, we are both expressing our thoughts and creating our thoughts, even deciding what is worth thinking about.

They are not like the objects or ideas for which they stand. They usually do not contain visual clues to their meaning. Written words fall under this category. It may be a word for a concrete object (book), an idea (freedom of speech), a scientific principle (the principle of balance), a formula (e=mc2)

Verbal SymbolTwo types

Written words – more abstract

Spoken words – less abstract

Examples: Discussion Explanation/lecture

Visual SymbolsVisual symbols are representations of direct reality, which comes in the form of signs and symbols.

Characteristics of visual symbols : No longer involves reproducing real situations. Chalkboard and overhead projector the most widely

used media. Help students see an idea, event, or process. Fits the tempo of presentation of idea, topic or

situation. Very easy to procure and prepare.

Limitations:Lack of ability to use the media size of visuals simplification of visual materials leads to misconceptions.

Visual SymbolsExamples:

Chalkboard

Flat maps

Diagrams

Charts

Posters

Cartoons

Recordings, Radio, Still Pictures

These are visual or auditory devices which maybe used by an individual or a group.Characteristics : attention – getting, particularly projected views. Can often be understood by those who cannot read. Lack

auditory dimension. concretize verbal abstraction Helpful to students who cannot deal with the motion or pace of

a real event or television.

Limitations :size of pictures or illustrations expensiveness of projected materials and equipment timing difficulties between radio shows and classroom lessons.

Recordings, Radio and Still Pictures

Examples:

Time Life Magazine

Listening to old radio broadcasts

Listening to music

THE ENDTHANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION