Reach for t’Sky

Season 1, Episode 4: Active Learning

In my journey as both an author and a career coach, I’ve learned that knowledge alone is not enough. It's a critical starting point, but without action, knowledge remains theoretical, easily forgotten, and ultimately unproductive. This truth became evident to me when I first encountered the concept of active learning and the learning process that takes us from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence.

Active learning involves three fundamental steps: acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and gaining experience. Many of us fall into the trap of believing that simply reading or absorbing information equates to learning. However, this is a form of passive learning, and according to the forgetting curve - a concept that illustrates how quickly information fades from memory without reinforcement - such knowledge is quickly lost.

To truly retain knowledge and master a new skill, practice is essential. This means moving beyond just reading or listening and actively engaging with the material. For instance, when writing my book, I didn’t just study the principles of effective communication - I applied them, tested them, and refined my approach through continuous practice. The same approach applies to any skill you want to develop, whether in your personal life or career.

Knowledge alone is not enough. To become competent, you must transition from theory to practice, ensuring that what you learn is reinforced through action. Active learning is the key to this process, allowing you to not only retain information but to apply it effectively and confidently in real-world scenarios.