The four stages of learning

Learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, understanding, and skills.

Learning is an active process. To learn, a student must encounter new information, pay attention to it, coordinate it with what they already know, store it in their memory, and apply it.¹

Four stages occur during the learning process.

Unconscious Incompetence

Stage 1 – Novice

The student hasn’t mastered the skill and doesn’t know what skill needs to be learned. 
Focus on: Learning

Conscious Incompetence

Stage 2 – Beginner

The student hasn’t mastered the skill but knows what skill needs to be learned.
Focus on: Practice

Conscious Competence

Stage 3 – Proficient

The student is starting to master the skill, but it still requires much effort and attention.
Focus on: Repetition

Unconscious Competence

Stage 4 – Expert

The student has mastered the skill and can perform the skill with minimal effort.
Focus on: Maintenance