Dreyfus skill acquisition model

This model was created in 1980 by Stuart and Hubert Dreyfus as an attempt to understand the learning process by looking examples of an air-force pilots students, chess players and people learning a foreign language.

Stages

  • Novice
  • Beginner
  • Competent
  • Proficient
  • Expert

Table of the successive transformation of mental functions

Skill Level/ Mental Function NOVICE BEGINNER COMPETENT PROFICIENT EXPERT
Recollection Non-situational Situational Situational Situational Situational
Recognition Decomposed Decomposed Holistic Holistic Holistic
Decision Analytical Analytical Analytical Intuitive Intuitive
Awareness Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Absorbed
Relation to rules by Dan North Needs rules Tests Applies Falls back Transcends