How much I get out of school depends on both the teacher and myself and sometimes even classmates. I recently took an interpersonal communication class where I learned people only retain 25% of what they are taught. Partially this is because most people don't have very good listening skills. I don't mean that they don't hear well, they just don't listen or pay attention. I always thought I was a fabulous listener, until we took a quiz in the class that proved otherwise. So if a teacher isn't good you will only retain 25% of what they teach you.