--- title: "SAT Curriculum Teaching Principle #2: Learning Pyramid" description: "SAT Curriculum Teaching Principle #2: Learning Pyramid" image: https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Learning-Pyramid-e1424807777228-8.jpg --- [![arb-logo@2x](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/arb-logo@2x.png)](https://www.arborbridge.com/) - [Our Services](https://arborbridge.com/our-services/) - [Academic Support](http://arborbridge.com/academic-programs/) - [SAT](https://arborbridge.com/sat/) - [ACT](https://arborbridge.com/act/) - [Subject Tests](http://arborbridge.com/subject-test/) - [AP & IB](http://arborbridge.com/ap-ib/) - [ISEE & SSAT](http://arborbridge.com/isee-ssat/) - [GRE & GMAT](http://arborbridge.com/gmat-gre-programs/) - [TOEFL](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/) - [About Us](https://arborbridge.com/about/) - [Library](https://testprep.arborbridge.com) - [Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/tutoring-pricing/) - [Academic Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/academic-pricing/) - [SAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/sat-pricing/) - [ACT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/act-pricing/) - [Subject Test Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/subject-test-pricing/) - [AP & IB Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/ap-ib-pricing/) - [ISEE & SSAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/isee-ssat-pricing/) - [GRE & GMAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/gre-gmat-pricing/) - [TOEFL Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-pricing/) - [Contact Us](https://arborbridge.com/contact-us/) # SAT Curriculum Teaching Principle #2: Learning Pyramid ![ArborBridge](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/ArborBridge_Resource_Library/Branding/AB_Leaf_200x200.jpg) by [ArborBridge](https://blog.arborbridge.com/author/arborbridge) February 24, 2015 ![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Learning-Pyramid-e1424807777228-8.jpg) Last week, we covered [confidence-building scaffolding](http://www.arborbridge.com/sat-curriculum-teaching-principle-1-confidence-building-scaffolding/), the first of three teaching principles applied to ArborBridge's proprietary SAT curriculum. The second key principle to our method is the incorporation of the Learning Pyramid. ### **Learning Pyramid** When writing our curriculum, it was important that we didn’t just start students at the right level, but also ensure that the way we taught students would maximize student involvement and retention. A lot has been said recently about the "Learning Pyramid" (see image below), which takes into account the retention rates for students based on different teaching methods. ![Learning Pyramid](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Learning-Pyramid-e1424807777228-8.jpg?width=631&height=464&name=Learning-Pyramid-e1424807777228-8.jpg) This pyramid was the foundation of the structure of our lessons, which follow an activity based learning style. Each aspect of the pyramid makes an appearance in lessons, so students shift between different learning methods, eliminating zoning out or information overload. **Introduction of concepts:** First, lessons are purposefully structured with clearly delineated concepts and eye-catching colors to target “audiovisual” (retention rate 20%). Students are asked to read any information included out loud to target “reading” (retention rate 10%). **Teaching of concepts:** Then, the information read is discussed with the tutor in order to target “discussion” (retention rate 50%). To address demonstration (retention rate 35%), an example is then worked through with the student. **Application of concepts:** Then, activities in which a student must explain why something is right or wrong are walked through, activating the highest retention learning method ("teach others", which has an average retention rate of 90%). Finally, a student is given practice on the concept to fulfill the practice doing aspect of the pyramid (retention rate 75%). Incorporating all these different methods presents concepts in a way in which the student is not overwhelmed by too much at once (such as immediately asking the student to teach the concept). It also avoids merely lecturing students, which has the lowest retention rates, and is typical of most tutoring or classroom programs.   ### **What is our last teaching principle? Keep an eye out for our next post!** - ![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/print.svg) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/facebook.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/sat-curriculum-teaching-principle-2-learning-pyramid%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/twitter.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/twitter?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/sat-curriculum-teaching-principle-2-learning-pyramid%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/linkedin.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/linkedin?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/sat-curriculum-teaching-principle-2-learning-pyramid%2F&linkname=) ![ArborBridge](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/ArborBridge_Resource_Library/Branding/AB_Leaf_200x200.jpg) #### About ArborBridge ArborBridge is pioneering 21st-century test prep to meet the ever-changing demands of standardized tests. We know that today’s students are digital natives. And with that in mind, every step of the way, we’ve integrated new technologies and innovative algorithms to develop the most efficient and effective one-on-one tutoring in the world. Our digital platform means we can match students with passionate, talented instructors from thousands of miles away. And whether you’re a student-athlete or the star of the school play, our highly interactive online programs empower students to prepare around even the most demanding schedules—at virtually any time of day or night. ## You also might like: [SAT Curriculum Teaching Principle #1: Confidence-Building Scaffolding](https://blog.arborbridge.com/sat-curriculum-teaching-principle-1-confidence-building-scaffolding) [SAT Curriculum Teaching Principle #3: Different Approaches](https://blog.arborbridge.com/sat-curriculum-teaching-principle-3-different-approaches) [3 reasons that summer is the best time to prep](https://blog.arborbridge.com/3-reasons-why-summer-is-the-best-time-to-prep) [![footer-logo@2x](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/footer-logo@2x.png)](https://www.arborbridge.com/) 100 Main Street Suite #102 Port Washington, NY 11050 (917) 525-2548 info@arborbridge.com - [Our Tutoring Services](https://www.arborbridge.com/our-services/) - [Academic Support](https://www.arborbridge.com/academic-programs/) - [SAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/sat-programs/) - [ACT](https://www.arborbridge.com/act-programs/) - [AP & IB](https://www.arborbridge.com/ap-ib-programs/) - [ISEE & SSAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/isee-ssat-programs/) - [GRE & GMAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/gmat-gre-programs/) - [TOEFL](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/) - [About ArborBridge](https://arborbridge.com/about/) - [Library](https://testprep.arborbridge.com/) - [Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/tutoring-pricing/) - [Contact Us](https://arborbridge.com/contact-us/) © 2026 ArborBridge, All rights reserved. - [Terms of Use](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/termsfeed-cookies-policy-pdf-english.pdf) - [Privacy Policy](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/privacy_policy.pdf)