Dear companion,
Do you know the four knowledge types?
You should if you are interested in knowing how to close knowledge-based performance gaps in any area of life. According to Krathwohl (2002), knowledge can be categorized into four types: (1) factual knowledge, (2) conceptual knowledge, (3) procedural knowledge, and (4) metacognitive knowledge. It’s important to know the distinctions and to understand your own knowledge strengths and areas of need to better meet your personal and/or organization’s goals.
Factual Knowledge
You can define factual knowledge simply as the terminologies, specific details, and basic elements within any domain. This is the information that can and must be learned through exposure, repetition, and commitment to memory. Luckily, since our memories are not the best places to store facts, we can help ourselves by knowing where to access factual knowledge when we need it (i.e. where to find the information in our books, online, our notebooks or journals, or asking that person who you know knows it!).
It is common knowledge that to be successful in meeting a goal, you need to know the related “facts”. A salesman better know the facts about the product or service he is selling! The CEO better know “the facts” about his core business if he or she wants to have credibility. A school principal better know “the facts” about good teaching methodology and pedagogy. How else can he or she be an instructional leader?
Conceptual Knowledge
Related to factual knowledge, conceptual knowledge can be understood as knowing the interrelationships and/or functions among the details and elements that make up a larger structure. This definition includes (1) knowing information classification and categorization, (2) knowing principles and generalizations, and (3) knowing theories, models, and structures. Basically, conceptual knowledge is knowing that facts can be organized in meaningful ways. Taking the example of a business marketer, it is not enough to know the details of his or her products or services and that of the competition. There must be conceptual knowledge of the differences and the meaningful competitive advantage of one over another.
Procedural Knowledge
This knowledge type is critical for success in goal attainment because it puts the “what” into action through the “how” process. Procedural knowledge can be understood as knowledge of (1) subject-specific skills and algorithms, (2) subject-specific techniques and methods, and (3) criteria for deciding when to use the right procedures. Many times, we see others performing wonderfully, and we ask ourselves: How do they do it? We can read their books or watch their videos to learn the needed factual and conceptual knowledge, however, knowing “how to” put that declarative knowledge into practice requires…practice! When you cognitively know “how to” do something, then you need to physically try it and pay close attention to both the process and outcome. If you are listening to your body, your mind, and your gut (using all your senses), you will gain information through multiple feedback loops, and those loops of information will guide your analysis and future actions in becoming better at “how to” do it.
Metacognitive Knowledge
This is probably the least paid-attention-to knowledge type because sometimes it feels uncomfortable to reflect on what is happening inside your world. We fear what we might find. Metacognitive knowledge can be understood as (1) strategic knowledge, (2) knowledge about cognitive tasks (i.e. contextual, conditional), and (3) self-knowledge. Because people are complex, and groups of people only add to the dynamic of complexity within a system, having a good measure of metacognitive knowledge (that is, engaging in this type of thinking) is critical to your performance, well-being, and success. For example, if you are meeting a client who shares vastly different cultural values and ways of knowing than you, then it behooves you to be paying attention to contextual clues. Like a dance, you move together, in sync, and there is no way of knowing beforehand what the next step is going to be! You must be aware of yourself, the person as he or she moves and speaks, and the situation as it unfolds. You bet that you better be listening and making the most of your information inputs.
If you have any goals in your personal or work life, pay attention to your knowledge needs– it will help you to increase success and goal attainment. Answer the question: Am I lacking factual, conceptual, procedural, or metacognitive knowledge? By addressing gaps in knowledge, you will be on your way to greater learning and success with your goals.
Your friend in learning,
Dr. Joel Tapia
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Reference
Krathwohl, D. R. (2002). A revision of Bloom’s taxonomy: An overview.Theory into practice,41(4), 212-218.
Published by Dr. Joel Tapia
Joel Tapia is passionate about learning, strategy, and helping others to succeed.View all posts by Dr. Joel Tapia
Published
I am Dr. Joel Tapia, a passionate enthusiast with extensive expertise in the fields of learning, strategy, and goal attainment. As someone deeply committed to helping others succeed, I've delved into the intricacies of knowledge types and their applications in various aspects of life. My knowledge is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in practical experience and a profound understanding of the subject matter.
The article you've presented explores the four knowledge types identified by Krathwohl in 2002: factual knowledge, conceptual knowledge, procedural knowledge, and metacognitive knowledge. Let's delve into each of these concepts:
1. Factual Knowledge:
Factual knowledge refers to the understanding of terminologies, specific details, and basic elements within a particular domain. It emphasizes the importance of exposure, repetition, and commitment to memory. In practical terms, individuals need to know where to access factual knowledge when needed, whether it's in books, online resources, notebooks, journals, or by consulting knowledgeable individuals. Factual knowledge is crucial for success in achieving goals, as it forms the foundation of expertise.
2. Conceptual Knowledge:
Conceptual knowledge involves understanding the interrelationships and functions among the details and elements that make up a larger structure. This includes knowledge of information classification, categorization, principles, generalizations, theories, models, and structures. In real-world scenarios, conceptual knowledge is essential for individuals to differentiate and recognize the meaningful competitive advantages within their domain, as exemplified by a business marketer understanding the distinctions between products or services.
3. Procedural Knowledge:
Procedural knowledge is the practical aspect of knowledge, focusing on the "how" process to put declarative knowledge into action. It encompasses subject-specific skills, algorithms, techniques, methods, and criteria for decision-making. The article emphasizes the significance of practice in acquiring procedural knowledge. Individuals not only need to acquire factual and conceptual knowledge but also actively engage in trying and refining procedures to enhance their skills and achieve success in their goals.
4. Metacognitive Knowledge:
Metacognitive knowledge, often overlooked, involves reflection on one's internal processes and understanding of strategic knowledge, knowledge about cognitive tasks, and self-knowledge. It is crucial for navigating the complexities of human interactions and adapting to diverse situations. The article illustrates the importance of metacognitive knowledge in scenarios such as cultural differences during a client meeting, emphasizing the need to pay attention to contextual clues and engage in strategic thinking for optimal performance.
In conclusion, by acknowledging and addressing gaps in factual, conceptual, procedural, or metacognitive knowledge, individuals can enhance their learning, strategy, and overall success in achieving personal and professional goals. This insightful perspective on knowledge types stems from a solid foundation in educational theory, exemplified by Krathwohl's taxonomy, and is presented by someone deeply immersed in the world of learning and success – Dr. Joel Tapia.
