Learning is something you do every day. The better you understand the learning process, the better you can use this knowledge in redesigning your organization.
There are five levels of learning: facts, information, know-how, understanding, and wisdom.
1. Facts: The first level of learning deals with facts, details, or data that result from direct observation and research. Facts are the most basic level of learning. Taken alone at this level, the facts have no direct application. But without facts, you cannot go to the other levels of learning.
2. Information: The second level of learning deals with information: observational data in a usable form. The descriptions that the information consists of say who, what, when, where, and how many. With information, you can begin to make use of the facts.
3. Knowing how to do – Knowing how to do is the focus of the third level of learning. Know-how consists of a collection of descriptions in the form of instructions. Know-how is having the instructions you need to make use of the information you have. With know-how, you gain knowledge from experience.
4. Comprehension – The fourth level of learning deals with comprehension. Understanding answers the question “Why?” At the comprehension level, learning is made up of explanations. When you understand why, you can better use the knowledge and experience you already have.
5. Wisdom – Wisdom is the focus of the fifth and final level of learning. Wisdom is the ability to evaluate and incorporate values. It is essential for development. Using knowledge and understanding without wisdom can lead to actions that do not work for the overall mission of the organization.
The five levels of learning complement each other. In an organizational setting, you’ll often need to use all five levels to make a decision, work on a redesign, or build relationships with co-workers.
Mike is the CEO of a transnational airline corporation. He has been studying the levels of learning that currently affect his organization.
“The facts are what happens in the company on a day-to-day basis. The facts include all the planes that take off, the customers that arrive at their destinations, and the packages that are shipped. There is no way to catalog them without turning them into information. “
“The information we work with includes how many planes take off each day, how many passengers arrive at their destinations, what these destinations are, how many packages we ship, and where we ship the packages.”
“The technical knowledge involved here describes how all this movement of people and baggage is done. This level of learning deals with the processes and the instructions they consist of. Without the technical knowledge, our pilots, baggage handlers, and attendants would be at a loss.” .”
“Understanding is just as vital for our people to be able to do their jobs. Pilots need to understand not only the mechanics of flying, but why it works. As CEO, I want to understand how the pieces fit together most effectively.”
“Wisdom is the most difficult level to explain, but it is also the most important. The company’s values are rooted in wisdom. We need wisdom to make decisions about our mission as a company. Our employees depend on our commitment to our values.”
Like Mike, you need to understand learning levels and how they complement each other to make the most of them when redesigning your organization. these levels Turn everyday experiences into something your business can organize and use for planning and decision making.