Understanding Edgar Dale's Cone of Experience Order

Edgar Dale's Cone of Experience is a well-known model in education that visually represents the progression of learning experiences, moving from the most concrete and direct experiences at the bottom to the most abstract and symbolic experiences at the top. The effectiveness of learning generally increases as one moves down the cone, towards more direct and sensory-based experiences.

Analyzing the Learning Experiences

The question asks us to arrange specific learning experiences in ascending order of effectiveness. This means we need to order them from the least effective (most abstract) to the most effective (most concrete) according to Dale's framework:

• D. Visual symbols: These are the most abstract forms of communication, such as written text, graphs, and charts. They are typically placed at the very top of the cone, representing the least direct and often least effective experiences for initial learning.
• B. Motion pictures: Films and videos are more concrete than visual symbols as they involve movement and sound, providing a richer sensory experience. They are positioned lower than visual symbols on the cone.
• A. Exhibits: These involve tangible displays, such as museum exhibits or models. They are generally considered more effective than motion pictures because they allow for closer examination and interaction with physical objects.
• E. Demonstrations: This involves observing someone performing a task or showing how something works. This is a more direct experience than observing visuals or static displays, making it more effective.
• C. Contrived experiences: These are often simplified or artificial versions of reality, like models, role-playing, or simulations. They are designed to highlight the essential aspects of an experience and are typically placed closer to the bottom of the cone, making them highly effective due to their active and often interactive nature.

Arranging for Ascending Effectiveness

To arrange these in ascending order of effectiveness, we start with the least effective (most abstract) and move to the most effective (most concrete). Based on the analysis:

1. Visual symbols (D): Least effective, most abstract.
2. Motion pictures (B): More effective than visual symbols.
3. Exhibits (A): More effective than motion pictures.
4. Demonstrations (E): More effective than exhibits.
5. Contrived experiences (C): Most effective among the given options, being closer to direct experience.

Thus, the correct ascending order of effectiveness is D, B, A, E, C.