The Stages of Learning and competence

The Stages of Learning and competency are describing the essential stages of learning and competency of the learners

The idea is that learners are not aware of how little or much they know and they don’t know the process and stage of learning but actually, They go through these stages, depending on how much they know about a given topic or skill.

At the end of these stages, the learners have excellent knowledge and skills and they will be able to use the knowledge or skill without having to think about what they’re doing.

It is very important to keep these stages in mind when developing eLearning because different learners will be at different stages.

Normally the essential stages of learning are to be "Four Stages" but And some theorists believe that there is an additional stage known as the "fifth stage" and the "fifth stage “is the last stage and we can consider it as the crown of any learner 

1.      Unconscious incompetence

2.      Conscious incompetence

3.      Conscious competence

4.      Unconscious competence

5.      Conscious competence of Unconscious competence

·      Unconscious incompetence

In this stage (1st Stage), the learner does not have a skill or knowledge set yet.

The learner does not understand or know how to do something and does not necessarily recognize the deficit and sometimes do not see any reason to learn it because they don’t consider it a necessity for them and, maybe they will deny the usefulness of the learning.

So that's very important in this stage the individual must be recognized their own incompetence, and the value of the new skill, before moving on to the next stage.

Note: The length of time an individual spends in this stage depends on the strength of the stimulus to learn

·      Conscious Incompetence

In this stage (2nd stage), the learner gains some knowledge and skills so they can recognize the deficit, as well as the value of learning a new skill in addressing the deficit (the learner is aware of the skill that they lack and can understand that there is a deficit).

And at this stage, the learner will do and make of mistakes can be integral to the learning process at this stage

In this stage, the learner wants to learn because they are aware of their lack of knowledge and it makes them uneasy.

·      Conscious competence

In this stage (3rd stage), the learner has knowledge and skills but requires concentration do the action so, the learner has acquired a skilled and competent person but has not yet mastered it to the point where it comes naturally.

It may be broken down into many steps, and there is heavy conscious involvement in executing the new skill.

Imagine you are have learned the steps to drive a car, but you still need to go through the steps when driving the car

This is when the learner usually needs testing, instructors, or other tools to hold their hand through it, or even talking themselves through the steps.

·      Unconscious competence

In this stage (4th stage), the learner has had so much practice with a skill that it has become a "second nature" (Learner know it so well he/she don’t even realize he/she are doing it) so the learner can be performed that so easily.

·      Conscious competence of Unconscious competence

In this stage, the learner becomes “mastery “ "Expertise" which he/she able to do this action and don’t even realize he/she are doing it besides that he can able to teach it and this stage is known as well “conscious competence of unconscious competence.” which Reflective Ability over the other Stages

And some theorists believe that there is a fifth stage and in this stage, the learner becomes able to relate to learners from stages 1 to stage 4 enough to teach them.

At the 5th Stage, the learner has reached a point where they can reflect on how they reached their level of mastery.

This means that they can empathize with learners in other stages. In your organization, SMEs are the most likely to be “fifth stagers.” They can be useful in mentoring new members or providing recommendations, advice, and guidance.

Always remember that knowledge and skills are power. Understanding the stages of learning can help you become a better educator.

Learning makes the world go around, so be sure to help your members reach their full potential by making them conscious of their level of competence.

Resource:

·  Bloom's taxonomy – Classification system in education

·  Instructional scaffolding – Support is given to a student by an instructor throughout the learning process

·  Learning styles – Theories that aim to account for differences in individuals' learning

·   Broadwell, Martin M. (20 February 1969). "Teaching for learning (XVI)". The Gospel Guardian. Retrieved 11 May 2018.

·      Curtiss, Paul R.; Warren, Phillip W. (1973). The dynamics of life skills coaching. Life skills series. Prince Albert, Saskatchewan: Training Research and Development Station, Dept. of Manpower and Immigration.

·      Adams, Linda. "Learning a new skill is easier said than done". gordontraining.com. Gordon Training International. Retrieved 21 May 2011.

·      Hansen, Alice (2012). "Trainees and teachers as reflective learners". In Hansen, Alice; et al. (eds.). Reflective learning and teaching in primary schools. London; Thousand Oaks, CA: Learning Matters; Sage Publications. pp. 32–48 (34). doi:10.4135/9781526401977.n3. ISBN 9780857257697. OCLC 756592765.

·      Flower, Joe (January 1999). "In the mush". Physician Executive. 25 (1): 64–66. PMID 10387273.