Understanding vs. Knowing: Part 3
Strategic Integration of Skills
For those of us designing online courses and educational programs for adults, bridging this gap between knowing and understanding is of the utmost importance. To do this and do it well, we must leverage powerful frameworks grounded in learning theory and instructional design. This three-part blog will explore three such frameworks. The third is the strategic integration of applied skills. By thoughtfully applying these principles, we can move beyond surface-level knowledge acquisition and cultivate genuine understanding that resonates with the motivations and needs of adult learners.
Making Knowledge Actionable: The Significance of Applied Skills
The journey from knowing to understanding is further solidified when learners have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in practical, real-world contexts. This is where the concept of applied skills becomes crucial. Applied skills refer to the ability to use knowledge, theories, and models in direct, hands-on settings, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and tangible application. This "learning by doing" approach is fundamental to fostering deep and lasting understanding.
Actively applying knowledge moves learners beyond the passive reception of information and engages them in a process of active meaning-making. This is in stark contrast to rote memorization, which often leads to short-term retention without a true grasp of the underlying concepts. Applied skills, on the other hand, encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, leading to a more profound and transferable understanding.
In the realm of online learning, there are numerous ways to incorporate applied learning activities.
Case studies and scenario-based learning present realistic situations that require learners to analyze information and apply their knowledge to propose solutions or make informed decisions.
Simulations and virtual labs provide interactive ecosystems where learners can practice skills and experiment in a safe and engaging environment.
Project-based learning involves longer-term assignments that require learners to integrate multiple skills and concepts to create a tangible output.
Problem-based learning challenges learners to collaboratively solve complex, real-world problems through research and application.
Designing practical application assignments that directly relate to learners' professional roles or personal interests ensures that the learning is immediately relevant and meaningful. Encouraging collaborative projects not only fosters the application of skills but also develops essential teamwork and communication abilities.
The integration of applied skills is particularly vital for adult learners. It directly aligns with their need for relevance and immediate application, their intrinsic motivation to solve real-world problems, and their preference for self-directed learning. As Malcolm Knowles' andragogy theory suggests, adult learners are oriented towards problem-centered learning and seek the immediacy of application.
In addition, adult learners bring a wealth of prior experience to the learning process, and applied skills provide them with valuable opportunities to connect new knowledge to their existing frameworks, making the learning more meaningful and integrated.
It's also important to recognize that applied skills encompass not just technical abilities but also crucial soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and adaptability. Online learning can be strategically designed to cultivate these essential skills through well-structured applied learning activities.