The Estyn Curve

Ask a Toddler - Estyn Curve

The theory illustrated in the Estyn Curve was developed by a small group of undergraduates (including yours truly and a guy named Estyn who’s idea it was in the first place) whilst procrastinating instead of studying for exams.

In essence what the Estyn Curve recognises is the important relationship between time / effort and outcome / result during the period before an assignment is due or the lead up to an exam. It’s premise is this: time and effort has a positive correlation to better outcomes and results up to a certain point (acceptable pass rate) when more time and effort actually begins to have a negative effect on better outcomes. This can be explained by the fact that a pupil has gained a certain amount of knowledge that is now too difficult to articulate succinctly and efficiently within the time left before a due date or under the time constraints of an exam.

As you can see from the Estyn Curve a small dip in better outcomes is realised despite the fact that more time and effort is put into study. Overwhelming sensations of ‘I now know what I don’t know’ dawns on the pupil whereas the lead up to the acceptable pass rate was a state of ignorant bliss. As the pupil spends more time and effort to scramble out of the trough the beacon of enlightenment begins to shine.

At this point, the positive outcomes and results begin to improve exponentially with significantly less time and effort required as was first needed to even reach the acceptable pass rate. The pupil begins to know and understand the subject matter in such depth that they become a guru. They can now teach what they know. They can communicate with absolutely clarity what they have studied in any amount of reasonable time. This is the point of enlightenment. Very few reach this level of knowledge.

Notwithstanding the fact that this theory was developed by undergraduates who should have been studying, its underlying thesis holds true across any complex area of study. I’ve touched on getting to know things in depth previously but hopefully what the Estyn Curve illustrates is that you shouldn’t be disheartened by a brief dip in positive outcomes when you’re dedicating time and effort into something you should know in depth, because the point of enlightenment is actually not that far off.