Knowledge v. understanding: the cockpit
Would you get on a plane if you knew that the pilot could only land the plane by flicking switches in the right order, without understanding what the switches are for?
During a landing, pilots and co-pilots go through lists stating the sequences of the switches they have to flick. This knowledge is enough to land a plane under normal circumstances, but what if conditions change because of a single malfunctioning switch? The pilot can only react appropriately if he understands why that switch has to be used at that point in time.
A distinction is made here between knowledge and understanding. Knowledge means knowing what to do; understanding means knowing why it should be done. If you learn a new method, understanding is more important than knowledge because it allows you to use the method in different circumstances.
Learning by doing
How does one learn a new method? It is well known that it is not enough to learn by reading or listening. Learning is about practical experience rather than factual knowledge; about understanding rather than programmed tricks.
So the first learning stage is when you see something in the method and think, “that could be useful”. The second stage is learning by doing. The best way to understand a method is by putting the method into practice. The third stage is learning by explaining. Being able to use the method oneself is one thing, but being able to explain it to others deepens one’s understanding of the method.
During a landing, pilots and co-pilots go through lists stating the sequences of the switches they have to flick. This knowledge is enough to land a plane under normal circumstances, but what if conditions change because of a single malfunctioning switch? The pilot can only react appropriately if he understands why that switch has to be used at that point in time.
A distinction is made here between knowledge and understanding. Knowledge means knowing what to do; understanding means knowing why it should be done. If you learn a new method, understanding is more important than knowledge because it allows you to use the method in different circumstances.