To achieve learning goals, we should identify and address not just knowledge gaps but also skills, motivation, habits, environment, and communication. Oftentimes the gaps in knowledge are not the most critical obstacle.
Every learner is on a journey. Gaps, whether the obvious or hidden ones, determine how effectively they move from current abilities to meaningful success. These gaps are not just gaps in our knowledge (as mentioned in Curiosity and Pain before) but span across motivation, skills, habits, environment, and even communication.
From the perspective of designing learning experiences for others (oftentimes can be applied to ourselves too), we should ask ourselves these questions to identify what's the gap we might be missing.
- Knowledge: What information does the learner need to be successful? What formats would best support that?
- Skill: What will the learners need to practice to develop the needed proficiencies? Where are their opportunities to practice?
- Motivation: What is the learner's attitude toward the change? Are they going to be resistant to changing course?
- Habits: Are any of the required behaviors habitual in nature? Are there existing habits learners might need to unlearn or reshape?
- Environment: What in the environment is preventing the learner from being successful? What is needed to support them in being successful?
- Communication: Are the goals being clearly communicated?
Oftentimes, the learners don't really need a lot of help to bridge the gaps in knowledge. But they need to overcome obstacles like lack of motivation, unsupportive environment, or even just the lack of practice.