You Too Can Become An Expert

From Learning To Expertise 

ICMS, Inc. Reports

By Tom Okure, Ph.D

Did You Know That ...Learning is best accomplished when there is a need and the desire for the learning, and when it is built upon former learning and knowledge. This article encourages you to learn all that you need to know in your chosen field, so you too can become an expert …Now You Know! 

~ Dr. Tom Okure

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This article helps readers understand the process of learning, from being a novice in their field of endeavor to becoming an expert.

Introduction

Human development involves a foundational process of learning, but not all learning results in expertise. Expertise requires a deliberate and structured process that transforms basic knowledge and acquired skills into a high level of proficiency. This article explains how learning develops gradually into expertise.

Stages of Learning

The journey from beginner to expert typically passes through several stages:

1.       Novice: A learner, often termed a novice, is an individual new to a task, skill, or situation who lacks the necessary experience. At this phase, the individual has limited or no experience. The individual heavily relies on rules and instructions, and supervision to complete tasks.

2.       Advanced Beginner: A beginner advances with increased knowledge, experience, and repetition, enabling the individual to start recognizing patterns so simple tasks can be independently handled. Nevertheless, progression in the acquisition of necessary skills still depends on guidance at this stage. Supervision is essential because even though the individual understands basic concepts, they lack the overall perspective to overcome complex and unfamiliar situations. 

3.       Competent: At this stage of learning, the individual has acquired sufficient skills to unentangle complex problems and identify workplace hazards through repetitive training, action, supervision, and feedback. The individual can handle tasks and make decisions based on experience and a deeper understanding of the subject area.

4.       Proficient: Repetitive training and practice lead a person to proficiency. At this level, individuals become highly skilled and capable of seeing situations holistically, can prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing circumstances. A proficient learner is an individual who can connect their learning to real-life complex situations. 

5.       Expert: A person becomes an expert in his or her field of endeavor when they have gained sufficient and comprehensive knowledge of the required skill in a particular area. This allows the individual to operate intuitively by drawing on their extensive experience. They recognize subtle nuances and can innovate within their field.

Major Factors in Developing Expertise

·     Deliberate Practice: Expertise involves frequent goal-oriented practice that is very focused, not simply routine repetition. There must also be feedback, both positive and negative, which helps to refine skills to overcome incremental challenges.

·     Deeper Knowledge: Becoming an expert means gaining a deeper mental understanding that connects concepts, which can be applied flexibly in various situations.

·     Experience: Experiences accumulated over time allow the expert individual to recognize patterns and intuition to handle difficult challenges.

·     Learning Is Continuous: An expert stays updated within a chosen field of endeavor to gain new information needed to maintain optimal performance to adapt to changes.

The Importance of Feedback, Mentorship, and Apprenticeship

Learning is accelerated through constructive feedback from a mentor or technical expert you are studying with, who identifies areas for improvement to reinforce effective strategies. The Mentor offers guidance, motivation, and insights derived from years of practice and real-world experience, enabling learners to overcome challenges on their path to expertise.

Concluding Remarks

You turn leaning into expertise through the process of deliberate practice and repetition, where you apply what you studied or the knowledge you acquired in a real-life situation, incorporating feedback and tackling new, more complex, similar situations successfully. 

Dr. Tom Okure

Building foundational knowledge involves a cycle of practicing repeatedly until acquired skills become automatic and ingrained in your knowledge base, enabling you to comfortably meet and overcome limitations in your current abilities. Repetition moves one from a detached, analytic learner to an involved, intuitive expert is a long-term, iterative journey. 

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Expertise is achieved through a process of dedication to practice, deep understanding, real-life experience, and continuous reflection. The key point to note is that anyone can gain new skills, but achieving expertise or becoming an expert demands dedication, resilience, and a focused attitude to learn continuously. 

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Thank you!

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D. CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc. (or ICMS Inc.). ICMS, Inc., is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York