Understanding Tacit Knowledge and its Importance in Learning

Understanding Tacit Knowledge and its Importance in Learning

In the world of knowledge and expertise, there are two types of knowledge: explicit and tacit. Explicit knowledge is the type of knowledge that can be easily articulated and transferred through words, documents, or instructions. On the other hand, tacit knowledge is knowledge that cannot be captured through words alone. It is the knowledge that is deeply ingrained in our minds and bodies, acquired through experience and practice.

When it comes to learning and mastering a skill, many argue that deliberate practice is the key. Deliberate practice is the act of intentionally focusing on improving specific aspects of a skill through repetitive exercises and targeted feedback. However, there is a growing recognition that tacit knowledge plays a crucial role in expertise and cannot be overlooked.

Tacit knowledge is not something that can be taught through explicit instructions or explanations. It is knowledge that is acquired through emulation, action, and apprenticeship. Think about learning how to ride a bicycle. No matter how many times someone explains the mechanics of balancing and pedaling, it is only through actually getting on the bike and feeling the movement and balance that we truly understand how to ride.

The process of acquiring tacit knowledge often involves learning from a master, someone who has already mastered the skill. It is through observation, imitation, and feedback that we internalize the principles and nuances behind the actions. This type of learning is not about following a set of procedures blindly but about understanding the underlying principles and applying them in a flexible and creative manner.

One of the challenges of explicitly teaching tacit knowledge is that it is complex and multifaceted. Tacit knowledge encompasses the ability to make instantaneous decisions that balance numerous considerations and factors. It is the ability to navigate through a situation using intuition, experience, and a deep understanding of the context. This level of expertise is difficult to encode into explicit instructions or expert systems.

In fact, attempts to create expert systems that capture all the possible branches and nuances of a human expert have often fallen short. Giving people a list of procedures to follow denies them the opportunity to develop their own expertise and limits their ability to engage in creative problem-solving. True expertise requires the development of tacit knowledge that comes from years of experience, emulation, and osmosis.

So, why is tacit knowledge more important than deliberate practice? It is because tacit knowledge is what enables experts to excel in their fields. It is what allows them to make quick and informed decisions, adapt to new situations, and come up with innovative solutions. While deliberate practice is valuable in domains with well-established pedagogies like music or math, the process of acquiring tacit knowledge is different.

To gain tacit knowledge, one must immerse themselves in the domain and learn directly from masters. This could mean working under a mentor for a significant period, absorbing their expertise through emulation and feedback. Take Warren Buffett, for example, who spent years working under Benjamin Graham and learned the ropes of investing through observation and osmosis.

In the realm of expertise, there is a growing focus on Naturalistic Decision Making (NDM) methods that aim to make the acquisition of tacit knowledge more effective. NDM methods recognize the importance of tacit knowledge and seek to find ways to enhance its development. They explore ways to create learning environments that promote emulation, feedback, and the internalization of expertise.

In conclusion, tacit knowledge is a vital component of expertise and cannot be overshadowed by the emphasis on deliberate practice. While deliberate practice is valuable in certain domains, tacit knowledge is what truly sets experts apart. To gain tacit knowledge, one must immerse themselves in the domain, learn from masters, and actively engage in emulation and feedback. So, how can we apply this understanding in our own learning journeys? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Seek out mentors or experts in your field: Find someone who has already mastered the skill or knowledge you are seeking to acquire. Learn from their experiences, observe their actions, and seek their feedback. Emulate their expertise to internalize the tacit knowledge.

• 2. Engage in immersive learning experiences: Immerse yourself in the domain you are trying to master. Surround yourself with the environment and context in which the skill is practiced. Actively participate and seek opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world situations.

• 3. Embrace feedback and reflection: Feedback is crucial for acquiring tacit knowledge. Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, or experts in your field. Reflect on your actions and decisions, analyze the outcomes, and continuously refine your understanding and application of the tacit knowledge.

By incorporating these practices into our learning journeys, we can enhance our acquisition of tacit knowledge and develop true expertise. Tacit knowledge is a valuable asset that enables us to navigate complex situations, make informed decisions, and engage in creative problem-solving. Let us recognize its importance and strive to gain it directly, rather than hoping for some breakthrough to make it explicit. Tacit knowledge is the key to unlocking our full potential as experts in our respective fields.