Gaining knowledge and putting it into practice is fundamental to learning, and the most effective way to learn is to build upon what you already know. Traditionally, education has followed the path to greater knowledge, but as skill gaps emerge, teachers must find new ways to address them.
Most educators today advocate for greater balance between knowledge and skills-based learning. But to teach effectively, it’s essential to understand the differences between these two methods. It’s also important to know how to implement them in a way that most benefits students.
Knowledge-based learning vs skills-based learning
Knowledge is the theoretical understanding of something, which is acquired through lectures and textbooks. Knowledge-based learning, therefore, refers to reading, listening, and watching to obtain the information needed before progressing to the next stage of learning.
Skills can be acquired bydoing,and the best way to master something is through regular practise or trial and error. Skill-based learning aims to build upon knowledge by developing practical expertise in a particular area.
As an example, a carpenter requires the background knowledge of how to measure and read blueprints, before starting a project. This can help with a range of projects, but it’s not enough on its own. A carpenter also needs to develop skills to carry out specific tasks, such as crafting a kitchen cabinet or making a coffee table.
As you can see from this example, having knowledge about something does not make you skilled in it—likewise, being skilled at something does not mean you have all the required knowledge to excel at it.
The carpentry example offers a very clear-cut distinction between these two learning methods. When it comes to early childhood teaching, such as in primary schools, skills-based learning aims to build upon the knowledge a student has gained in the classroom. This combination of knowledge-based and skills-based learning will help transform learners into independent thinkers and prepare them for challenges they may face in the future.
Why is skills-based learning important?
Skills-based education is essential for a few reasons:
- It promotes greater independence
Students who learn through skills-based instruction are more likely to think at a higher level and solve problems on their own. This is important, particularly for primary school children who are being introduced to new ideas and concepts every day. Children at this age are just beginning to make connections between what they have been told and what they have experienced. - It increases learning speed
Students learn much faster when there are multiple ways for them to absorb information. Using a skill-based approach can further develop what they already know and help them grasp concepts quicker. - Provides real-world experience
Children have little real-world experience, which makes teaching theoretical subjects more challenging. By creating lessons that engage their reality, that they can experience and build upon, they will be able to catch on a lot faster.
Although the importance of a skill-based curriculum cannot be understated, knowledge is still a crucial foundation for students to be able to apply their skills and understand the broader reasoning behind what they are learning and why.
Understanding learning methodologies for early childhood education
There is a lot more you can understand about learning methodologies to make an impact on young learners. For example, what the characteristics of competency-based training is, what is meant by life skill education and much more.
If you want to learn more, are interested in mentoring future generations and working with young children, then a career in childhood education might be your calling. Open Colleges’ courses in childhood education will provide you with the perfect foundation for starting your career in this field.
Visit theEarly Childhood Education and Carecourse page now where you’ll find a selection of nationally recognised courses, includingCHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. These courses will give you both the knowledge and skills you need to start a career in the growing and highly rewarding early childcare sector.
FAQs
Knowledge is theoretical. It's an intellectual understanding of information, knowing the right answers. Skills are practical. They are the actions people take to put their knowledge into practice.
What is the difference between knowledge understanding and skills? ›
Knowledge is understanding gained through learning or experience, encompassing facts, information, and conceptual understanding in a specific domain. At the same time, skill is the ability acquired through practice and experience to enable the effective application of knowledge to perform specific tasks or actions.
What is the difference between acquiring knowledge and learning a skill? ›
Knowledge is a collection of facts, information and theories. Knowing the steps to perform a task does not necessarily mean you can do it. A skill is the ability to apply knowledge to complete a job. An example of this dynamic can be found in music.
What is knowledge-based learning? ›
What is Knowledge-based Learning? Knowledge-based learning is an instructional approach that helps students broaden and deepen their knowledge of specific content areas and topics. Using this approach, learners use and build on their prior knowledge to make connections and deepen their understanding.
What are knowledge based skills examples? ›
Examples of KSAs: These include technical knowledge, communication skills, critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership skills. These examples demonstrate the diverse range of KSAs that are sought after by employers in different industries and job roles.
What is the role of skills and knowledge in learning? ›
Training programmes should aim to provide learners with the necessary theoretical background (knowledge) while also ensuring that they gain hands-on experience and practice (skills) to effectively apply what they've learned.
What is more important, skills or knowledge? ›
Conclusion. In the workplace, both knowledge and skills are important factors for success. While knowledge provides a strong foundation of understanding, skills bring practical application to that knowledge. It is not enough to possess one without the other.
What is the difference between learning and knowledge? ›
Learning and Knowledge
'' Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge. It's the general term used for a group of activities that result in behavior or information being gained or modified. This distinction is important, because learning information is not the end of the matter.
What is an example of the difference between knowledge and understanding? ›
The word 'knowledge' is used as a noun, for example, 'Sheldon had prior knowledge concerning Newton's Laws of Motion', whereas the word 'understanding', when used as a noun, refers to the ability of someone to grasp something.
What is the difference between knowledge experience and skills? ›
Skills involve practice. You master skills through repetitiveness and consistent effort. Experience is when you apply your knowledge and skills to a specific situation or context. If you isolate the three and focus on knowledge, you can learn all there is to know about playing the violin in theory.
So, we can develop our skills through the transfer of knowledge. Abilities are the qualities of being able to do something. There is a fine line between skills and abilities. Most people would say the differentiator is whether the thing in question was learned or innate.
What is the difference between skills and knowledge PDF? ›
Knowledge refers to information learned from sources like books and school, while skill is the ability to apply that knowledge in practice. For example, a salesperson may know marketing concepts but their skill is in using that knowledge to make successful sales.
What is the difference between knowledge and skills in education? ›
Following are some key differences between knowledge and skill: Knowledge refers to familiarity with factual information, but skills refer to the ability to apply knowledge to specific situations. You can acquire knowledge through education, whereas gaining skill often requires practice.
What is the meaning of knowledge learning? ›
knowledge, learning, erudition, scholarship mean what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind. knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.
What is skill in learning? ›
"Learning skills" is a term that describes the tasks involved in learning, including time management, note-taking, reading effectively, study skills, and writing tests.
What is skills rule and knowledge based? ›
The terms skill, rule and knowledge based information processing refer to the degree of conscious control exercised by the individual over his or her activities. Figure 1 contrasts two extreme cases. In the knowledge based mode, the human carries out a task in an almost completely conscious manner.
What is the difference between skills based learning and competency based learning? ›
Competencies are often broader and more encompassing than specific skills, and they involve not just technical proficiency, but also interpersonal and organisational abilities. A skill, on the other hand, is a specific ability or expertise that is acquired through training or experience.
