
Training & Assessment Professional Development
As the CEO of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for over 13 years and a qualified Trainer and Assessor with more than 20 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to empowering professionals to excel in their fields. This podcast is designed to elevate your skills and knowledge, equipping you to become a leader in your industry.
I specialise in developing strategies that transform the way you deliver training, helping you forge meaningful connections with your learners and achieve exceptional outcomes. Professional development is not just an option—it’s the cornerstone of success—and my mission is to guide you in discovering your unique flow and implementing best practices as a professional trainer and assessor.
Through this podcast, I’ll help you master every aspect of training design, delivery, learner support, and assessment. You’ll gain the tools to stand out where others cannot because they haven't made the commitment to invest in their own growth. Let’s unlock your potential and set you apart as an industry leader.
Training & Assessment Professional Development
Conscious Competence - The 4 stages and how to impliment
Hello, and welcome to the Training and Assessment Professional Development Podcast. I'm Donna Moulds, and today, we’re exploring an essential framework for trainers and assessors—the Conscious Competence Ladder. Understanding this model can help us guide our learners more effectively and enhance our training methodologies.
The Conscious Competence Ladder, also known as the Four Stages of Learning, was introduced by Noel Burch in the 1970s. It’s a powerful tool for understanding how individuals progress from ignorance to mastery in any skill. As trainers and assessors, it’s crucial for us to recognise and support our learners through each of these stages. Let's delve into each stage and discuss how we can tailor our training and assessment approaches accordingly.
Stage 1: Unconscious Incompetence
The first stage is Unconscious Incompetence. At this point, learners don’t know what they don’t know. They are unaware of their lack of skill or knowledge in a particular area. For example, a new employee might not realize the complexity of the software they need to learn. As trainers, our role here is to create awareness. We can use introductory sessions, demonstrations, or assessments to highlight the knowledge and skills gaps. It's about gently bringing them to the realization that there’s much to learn.
Stage 2: Conscious Incompetence
Next is Conscious Incompetence. Here, learners become aware of their gaps in knowledge. This stage can be challenging because they realize how much they need to learn. It can lead to frustration and discouragement. Our job as trainers is to provide support and encouragement. Break down the learning process into manageable steps, offer plenty of practice opportunities, and give constructive feedback. For instance, during a software training session, guide them through basic tasks first and gradually introduce more complex functions.
Stage 3: Conscious Competence
As learners practice and gain experience, they move into the Conscious Competence stage. They can perform the skill, but it requires significant focus and effort. This is where structured practice and repetition are crucial. Provide scenarios, simulations, and hands-on activities that mimic real-world tasks. Encourage learners to reflect on their performance and identify areas for improvement. For example, in a safety training program, allow them to practice emergency procedures repeatedly until they can perform them confidently.
Stage 4: Unconscious Competence
With continued practice, learners reach Unconscious Competence. At this stage, the skill becomes second nature. They can perform it effortlessly and without much conscious thought. Our role here shifts to reinforcement and refinement. Provide opportunities for learners to apply their skills in different contexts to ensure versatility. For instance, if they’ve mastered cu
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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: My podcast episode notes may contain affiliate links, if you purchase something through these links you wont pay more, however I may receive a commission which enables me to earn a living, keep the channel going and at times purchase a nice bottle of Prosecco to celebrate you awesome listeners.