This is an adult learning concept developed by James Atherton in 2003.

The Supplantive Learning Curve describes the different approaches between:

·       Additive learning, which entails adding to what people currently know, or believe, or have confidence in, and…

·       Supplantive learning, which entails removing what people currently know, or believe, or have confidence in while replacing all of that with new beliefs and approaches. 

Similar to the way the Marine Corps turns raw recruits into U.S. Marines at Parris Island, the supplantive process requires a disciplined and well-planned effort to manage and control the fear, the sense of loss, and the potential disorientation that people can experience while undergoing this journey to a new and higher level of performance.  

The Supplantive Learning Curve enhances concepts and approaches presented in the Challenge & Support Model.