11 May Dreyfus model of skill acquisition

Have you ever wondered how we learn new skills? What are the elements of learning a new skill? What is the difference between training and coaching? How can you become an expert at something? These questions and more will be answered in this article.

The Dreyfus model of skill acquisition is a theory that was proposed to describe the five stages of acquiring a new skill: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient and expert. This model was developed in the early 1970’s and has been used by many different fields including education, psychology and sports, to name a few.

It is important to keep in mind that “no one has ever been observed moving from any stage of the Dreyfus model straight to the next”. The only exception is when you have had a stroke or some sort of brain injury.

The Dreyfus Model of skill acquisition is based on three important aspects. They are: situation, action and result. Each one of these aspects is equally important and all three need to be present in order for someone to move through the process of learning something new (see image below).