The 4 Stages Of Skill Acquisition
Whether you’re learning to juggle, playing with handstands, learning an instrument or doing an extra curricular sport outside of the studio – there are 4 main stages that you will go through while learning a skill.
In this blog post, we’ll use the handstand as an example.
Stage 1: Unconscious Incompetence
Unconscious incompetence is the first stage of skill acquisition.
At this point, the individual doesn’t know that they aren’t capable of the skill, and also does not value the performance of the skill. For example, the individual is unable to perform a handstand in any capacity, and does not see how it could be beneficial to their development.
One of the most important steps necessary to allow the individual to move to stage 2 is to teach them the importance, relevance, or benefits of the skill. Until the individual understands, they will not dedicate the time and energy to improving their abilities in order to attain said skill.
Stage 2: Conscious Incompetence
During this stage, the individual begins their skill acquisition journey.
The individual is a true beginner, understanding the relevance of the skill but they do not have the ability to perform the skill.
Additionally, the individual is interested in progressing further and developing the skill. For example, the individual wants to learn how to perform a handstand but knows they currently do not possess the skills to do so, and in turn, they seek an experienced coach who can guide them in learning the handstand.
One of the ways individuals can progress to the next stage of skill acquisition is under the guidance of an experienced coach. Without this external guidance, they will find it difficult to gain competence in the skill.
Stage 3: Conscious Competence
This stage of skill acquisition is when the individual is midway through their journey.
The individual is beginning to learn the skill and is now able to perform it successfully. At this point, they are able to kick up into a handstand and hold it with some consistency. As the name of this stage implies, they are very conscious of their actions within the skill and will be unsuccessful if they are not focused.
This stage is where practice is extremely necessary, especially conscious and focused practice. Through repetition, they will be able to move to the fourth and final stage.
Stage 4: Unconscious Competence
The final stage of skill acquisition is where the skill has become somewhat automatic as if performing the skill is second nature.
The individual no longer has to think about how to perform the skill, they can simply execute it with less effort required. This might be the point where they can consistently kick up into a handstand and hold it, without needing to think about it.
A benefit of this level of skill development is that they can now perform multiple tasks at the same time. This may involve performing a handstand, and then being able to hold a conversation while doing so.
One feature of this level of development is that it also needs to be maintained. Frequent practice of the skill is necessary to ensure it remains second nature to the individual, otherwise, they may slip back into earlier stages.
Have a think about the skills that you have learned or are learning.
Can you pinpoint a time or situation when you were going through a certain part of these four stages?
Once you understand these four stages, you can begin to identify where you are within a skill. Sometimes, even this little bit of understanding can really help your progression and motivation, since there’s always light at the end of the tunnel – if you put in the work!
