Levels of Learning

Following up on the last post, the levels of learning determine how well we actually know the subject. There are four levels. 

Rote is the lowest level of learning. It's the ability to repeat back something which was learned, but not understood. It may be enough to pass some tests, but if deeper learning isn't gained what we learn by rote will be lost.

Understanding is the step above rote. Where you could compare rote to having a knowledge, understanding is to comprehend or grasp the nature of meaning of something.

Application is the second highest level of learning. It's the act of putting something to use that has been learned and understood.

The highest level of learning is Correlation, which is associating what has been learned, understood, and applied with previous or subsequent learning.

Here's an overly simple example, learning multiplication. A student can memorize multiplication tables. Understanding comes when multiplication is understood to be how many times a number is added together.

Application comes when that multiplication is applied to other numbers or things. Simple word problems can demonstrate application.

Correlation is taking the application and using it in situations that can be related, such as solving for a missing factor.

Scenario-based training aids in taking knowledge from rote, to understanding, application, and correlation. Some examples of scenario-based training include role playing, table top exercises, and simulations.

Personally I think teaching something can have a great impact in cementing what you've learned into application and even correlation.

When learning about laws of achievement, success, self-improvement, etc. these same laws of learning apply. For most of us, the rote can come fairly easy. And many may even understand what is being taught.

The challenge is most do not apply in their lives what they understand. Without that application the understanding is really just knowledge.

When we apply what we understand it deepens our understanding beyond the comprehension of meaning. 

As our understanding increases we can begin to see how it affects other things. We might even compare correlation with association in that we discover how one thing relates and affects others.