[Note that the refined and extended knowledge is confirmed or new programmed knowledge]

It is worth noting that all of these steps involve actions

• some actions involve external objects (manuals, equipment, other people...)

• some actions are internal (translating instructions into actions...)

• all actions involved information: 

That is, to a greater or lesser extent skills are informed action

Other Observations

• Skill learning is often iterative

• Refinement of skills requires extensive action

• Technology is used in actions, so,

• 'Skills' can be enhanced by the use of technology (tools, access to resources....)

• Other skills may be made redundant by technology because the technology automates the action (eg, word processors automate the placement of letters 'on the line'...)

• Being taught the skill is at best knowledge acquisition and so there is much much more to skill acquisition than being taught the skill

• As the ancient proverb says

  • I hear and I forget (instructions = P)   

  • I see and I remember (demonstration = P+E)

  • I do and I understand (reflection on experience = P+A+E+Q)

• Application involves matching purpose and knowledge to a course of action (P+Q+A) and monitoring (Q) the progress (E) and results (E)

• The use of questioning insight is dependent on purpose, motivation and opportunity.  Note that opportunity includes access to resources

The Scientific Method

Refinement and extension of skills often requires a 'scientific' approach (as observed in IT users of all ages), that is,

• reflect on experience (Q+E)

• formulate 'hypothesis' about the results of action (Q+ P)

• design actions to test the hypothesis (Q+A)

• consider the results (Q+E)

• confirm existing knowledge and or create new knowledge (Q+P)