Conscious Competence Learning Matrix

Learner not aware of existence or relevance of skill area. Not aware of their incompetence in a skill area - until this happens, learning and development of new skill can't begin.

Learn becomes aware of existence and relevance of skill; becomes aware that he/she cannot perform the skill. Demonstrates openness to learn.

Learner achieves this level of a competence in a skill when he/she can perform it reliably at will without assistance. Learner will still need to concentrate and think in order to perform the skill.

Probably not able to teach skill well to others.

Learner has achieved this level of competence when he/she can perform the skill while doing other things. Sometimes the skill has become so instinctual that the learner can easily demonstrate the skill, but may have difficulty explaining exactly how to perform the skill to others

Skill becomes so practiced that it enters the unconsciou parts of the brain and becomes second nature, however the practitioner can also articulate the fine details of the skill to others.