Dale's Cone diagrams effectiveness of learning according to the media involved in learning experiences. The chart illustrates the results of research conducted by Edgar Dale in the 1960s. According to Dale's research, the least effective method, the top of the cone, involves learning from information presented through verbal symbols, i.e., listening to spoken words. The most effective method, the bottom of the cone, involves direct, purposeful learning experiences, such as hands-on or field experiences.