Four step learning ladder – a model for learning to learn
The Learning Ladder describes the steps we go through when learning a new skill.
Four levels or steps of learning
Unconscious incompetence – We don’t know what we don’t know
Conscious incompetence – We know what we don’t know
Conscious competence – We know what we know
Unconscious competence – We don’t know what we know
It can be applied to virtually all learning scenarios but the example we will use here is learning a second language. Suppose we think about learning to speak German.
How might we understand this learning model?
I begin as a child, at a level of Unconscious Incompetence. I cannot speak the language but I am not aware of this.
I may not even know Germany or language other than my mother tongue exists. One year we go on holiday to Germany. As my awareness expands I move to a level of Conscious Incompetence – I am aware that the language “German” exists and I am aware that I cannot speak it. I now have the option to do something about it.
I embark on a German course and become a proficient speaker. However, I am not yet fluent, I have to concentrate hard to get it right and am aware of my limitations. I am at a level of Conscious Competence.
Finally, after many years of learning and practise I become fluent in German, start to think in German and even dream in German. Speaking a foreign language becomes second nature to me and I no longer have to concentrate hard on the formation of the language. I have reached the level of Unconscious Competence.
Think of some other learning scenarios and see how these steps apply. Consider how you can use this information to help people learn more effectively.
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.” – Carl Jung
The Training Show says
06/10/2012 at 21:04RT @RapidBI: New Blog post: The four steps to learning http://t.co/PuCMCEU7
Heather Townsend says
06/10/2012 at 19:28RT: @rapidbi The four steps to learning: The Learning Ladder describes the steps we go through when learning a n… http://t.co/jQpAzELo
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06/10/2012 at 18:41Four step learning ladder – a model for learning to learn | RapidBI http://t.co/2MvIRt9I
Puja says
06/10/2012 at 16:52New Blog post: The four steps to learning http://t.co/LpZZqnYB
Sharon Gaskin says
06/10/2012 at 16:45RT@rapidbi The four steps to learning: The Learning Ladder describes the steps we go through when learning a new skill. http://t.co/4f4y6H93
Sharon Gaskin says
06/10/2012 at 16:45RT@rapidbi The four steps to learning: The Learning Ladder describes the steps we go through when learning a new skill. http://t.co/4f4y6H93
arigunawan26 says
16/01/2012 at 10:40The four steps to learning http://t.co/riNhJDVj
Mike D Morrison says
16/01/2012 at 10:10The four steps to learning http://t.co/riNhJDVj
Darshiit says
14/09/2009 at 15:47RT @rapidbi Updated: The four steps to learning » Management, Leadership & Business Development Articles
Mark Barton says
14/09/2009 at 15:15RT @rapidbi: New article- The four steps to learning
Sharon Gaskin says
14/09/2009 at 14:50RT @rapidbi: Updated: The four steps to learning » Management, Leadership & Business Development Articles
Duncan Brodie says
14/09/2009 at 12:21RT @rapidbi: New article- The four steps to learning