Skill, A Learned Ability - Term Paper Example

?Skill: A Learned Ability Introduction In everyday life, individuals speak and communicate; they often listen and share feelings to understand and tobe understood. The process involved in listening, speaking, thinking etc. is called a skill. According to some, skill is something acquired through practice; others say it is a form of habit that, through time, has become ability. Actually, skill could not be gained in just a second or minute; it takes time to have such. For the purpose, this paper aims to investigate whether skill is learned or not. It further seeks to establish facts that would support this thesis and prove the validity of the hypothesis. Furthermore, the researcher investigates how skill is developed and what are the types of skills every individual has. 1.1 Statement of the problem The researcher wishes to resolve the issue whether a skill is learned or not. Based on the testimonies of many individuals, a skill is not learned because it is something that is being acquired during birth. On the contrary, many believe that, like other talents (e.g singing, dancing, playing musical instrument), skill needs to be enhanced to become an ability, and in the long run would form part as a habit. 1.2 Scope of the Problem In this paper, the researcher limits the investigation to the cliff of the data gathered, analyzed and used. However, since the researcher seeks to resolve the issue aforementioned, there would be series of comparison and analysis to test the validity of the hypothesis. 1.3 Hypothesis A skill is learned through time. The ability of an individual to use his knowledge on, for example, painting, and circus exhibition, writing and speaking becomes a skill once mastered, or least, familiarized, and eventually becomes a habit. Types of Skill The combination of ability and knowledge that enables a man to do a task and take it to higher level is called skill; while ability refers to skills and qualities that allow a man to perform a work or task (“Abilities and Skills”). There are types of skills namely: Cognitive, Perceptual and Motor skills. A. Cognitive Skill This type of skill involves the thought processes. It is often referred as intellectual skills. According to Vanlehn, an individual is said to have acquired cognitive skill if he solve problems in intellectual tasks relying on his knowledge rather than entirely depending on his physical prowess (n.p.). In addition, commonly performed task like dealing with algebraic equations, word problems, electronic troubleshooting, computer programming, working on medical diagnosis and even simple college physics and chemistry solving could enhance the skill. Basically, Cognitive skill acquisition could be traced on the path of history by which problem solving has been the study of many researchers. Moreover, Vanlehn states that in the midst of 1960, researchers studied how an individual would use his knowledge and respond to a problem-solving task; the subjects were tasked to move a pyramidal stack of disks from one peg to another by moving one disk at a time according to certain restrictions. In the course of their research, they have found out that when it comes to strategies and ways in dealing the task, an individual would tend to turn from one intermediate state to another until he gets the solution. In the example above, the subject was able to solve the puzzle by moving disks until it appeared correct. Hence, the subject has learned that in order to solve small and great problems, it takes proper analysis of the problem, comprehensive gathering of information needed as an alternative, judgment and critical thinking. It has become a skill. B. Perceptual Skill Unlike other skills, perceptual skill carries with its name the word perception--means the ability to interpret and know certain information (Walkley 18). It is the conscious recognition and interpretation of sensory stimuli that serve as a basis for understanding, learning, and knowing or for motivating a particular action or reaction (“Perception”). In addition, perceptual skill or perception can be in the form of the following: depth perception, extrasensory perception, facial perception and stereognostic perception. Looking around the environment, lot of things could be seen. The texture, color, fragrance etc are learned during perception through senses. Indeed, some has an extraordinary ability to perceive things without just seeing them. For instance, the entertainers inside an amusement park, particularly the so-called ‘psychics’ use their sharp perceptions. They usually make tricks and games that seems like they actually foretell or guess an event or thing. Sometimes they let someone bring something and they would try to predict that something, sometimes with eyes blindfolded. Like for example, a man from the audience of a Talent Show brought a bottle of water, and held it with his hands. The psychic started to ask questions like (Is it round? Does it have a cap? Is the color of the cap green?), and the psychic was able to identify the object. From the example, the psychic through constant practice has acquired knowledge that he could use. Thus, that is so called the perception skill. C. Motor Skill In this type of skill, muscular movement is required to perform a specific act (e.g. baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, and boxing); physical dexterity determines the success of the act (“What are motor skills” n.p). Truly, motor skill is necessary for the athletes, although, they do not just focus on it, but it would really help them in winning the game. Also, motor skill works together with perceptual skill; oftentimes they go hand-in-hand. Since perceptual skill involves the use of perception or senses, and motor skill with proper movement it would help an athlete increase his skill in a certain game. Other motor skills like catching baseballs, shooting free throws, riding a bicycle, hitting golf balls, or skiing down a slope require constant practice to be able to learn how to maintain such ability. According to Wulf, in dealing with various acts that require physical strength, motor skills vary widely in type and complexity, but the learning process that individuals go through is similar. Paul Fitts proposed three phases of learning namely: the associative, cognitive, and autonomous phases (qtd. in Wulf 3). Cognitive (verbal) phase means the learner, in his pursuit for accomplishment, tries to examine the actions that ought to be done. Also, during this phase, the learner often make experiments with different ways and means, or techniques, in order to determine which of the actions would lead to the achievement of one’s goal. The learners’ movements are slow, inconsistent, and inefficient. There is considerable cognitive activity required. However, large parts of the movement are controlled consciously. On the other hand, in associative phase the learners’ movements are more reliable and efficient. Thus, less cognitive activity is required and some parts of the movements are controlled consciously, even automatically sometimes. While in autonomous (motor) phase, the learners’ movements are accurate, consistent, and efficient. There is only little cognitive activity required, and movements are largely controlled automatically. When Skill Becomes a Habit A developed skill may become a habit through constant use, practice and, mastery. Just as journalists or writers learn to write, speak, and express themselves, they actually acquire such knowledge from their personal experiences, observation, education, and also through constant practice. As mentioned earlier, a skill could not just be gained in few seconds. It takes time and effort--practice really matters. Foster states that, it’s not just the new skills that need to be practiced and applied, but also those skills [already possessed] you have already mastered if you want to maintain your expertise over long period of time (n.p). Even though how little the skill is, but when coupled with determination to increase it, definitely it would “swell into your bosom.” Dianne Cliento once said, “I learnt the theory of movement, which I still teach sometimes. I was very, very ambitious to learn a skill.” Other Forms of Skills and Ways to Improve In achieving goals, it is significant to remember that skills are necessary elements of success. The following are examples of skills: Information Management Skills, or the ability to sort data and projects: compile and rank information: synthesize facts, concepts, and principles: understand and use organizing principles and evaluate information against appropriate: research and Investigation Skills, or the ability to use variety of sources to access information including computer technology; apply a variety of methods to test the validity of data; identify problems and needs, and formulate questions relevant to clarifying a particular problem, topic or issue. (“Example of Skills” 1). Also, writing skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and leadership skills, design and planning skills, critical thinking skills, and study skills, When a person speaks well, or he is able to connect to the society or public sector, and effectively build good rapport, then he is a good communicator. Indeed, communication skills, is important to (e.g. politicians, meeting facilitator, mass communication and political science students, and ordinary citizens). They must learn to develop the skill if one’s aim is to convey the message properly in a persuasive or convincing manner. Many communicators do not realize how communication affects their personality. The students for example, particularly those already in college, just take for granted the importance of effective communication. They speak, but cannot fully convey what they intend to say. Others just somehow neglect opportunities where they could hone their skills (e.g. classroom reporting, group debate, news casting, forums, and seminars). However, there are ways to improve communication skills. Frequently, some students procrastinate the day of their improvement because they thought they do not possess the skills of a good communicator. Only to realize that skills are not necessarily inherited, but learned through persistent practice and determination. Magnifying on Communication and Leadership Skills In every walk of life, good communication skills really matter. What will improve if someone has good skills in communication is the confidence--self-esteem is boosted. He or she would stand out among the crowd, and gets best impression. It is noteworthy that this skill helps individual to face challenging tasks in life. Chances are, he or she would get better jobs, or find greener pasture in the field of communication (e.g. toastmaster, HR officer, call center supervisor etc.). Here are some tips to hone communication skills. 1. Not all can easily get any word across in any situations, like in workplace, or in daily interpersonal interactions to the society. So, it’s better to listen and observe. Listening very eagerly to the ones who are speaking fluently, and observing their manner of delivering information would help. This might give insights and new ways that would bring about effective communication. However, the process of communication doest not only pertains to effective and impressive delivery of messages, it also speaks about being a good listener. Anyone who wishes to become good speaker should also work out at being a good listener. Speaking go hand-in-hand with listening; they do not come separately. 2. In a set up where great number of audience is expected to flood, like forum mass orientation, assembly, or seminar, it is wise to take note that before starting the speech, one must prepare himself or herself physically, mentally and emotionally. Well-prepared speakers usually get good compliments. The speech must be clear and concise. It does not have to be lengthy to kill the time, well, if required one must make sure would not sound boring and lifeless. 3. Sense of humor never ceases its power to make the crowd alive. One thing a speaker should understand is that it’s not about talking with ‘nonsense’ topics; this would just make the audience turn their head back and laugh. Speeches should include valuable information. Though, the content of speech may vary depending on the type of audience the speaker may have, appropriateness and clarity add to the personality of the speaker. 4. Always thinking what to say in front of somebody does not help, in fact, it causes the speaker to panic, tremble and lose control. Others tend to focus on what they are going to answer to the question thrown other than just listening, because they do not want to be ‘choppy’ and ‘nonsense’ to their answers. But what really goes is that, they could not fully comprehend the question. Staying calm and relax really help. 5. Sentence construction and grammar are essential to build good rapport. Speakers should learn proper usage of words, pronunciation, diction and appropriate gesture. There are instances when gestures are needed. In doing so, one must be able to identify what (hand or body gestures) fit to the words or phrases he utters. When it comes to pronunciation and diction, a speaker should consider the way he or she speaks every word, and must bear in mind that audience is keen and observant. Hence, effective and efficient communication could be summed up in three (4 p’s) preparedness, politeness, patience and panic-free. Anthony Robins once said that, “to effectively communicate [one] must realize that [everybody] has different ways in perceiving and understanding the world in communication. Moreover, in leadership, a leader should take note that he is not only the person in an organization, assembly, association, or in small unit. The persons under his umbrella expect their leaders to be at least effective in carrying out their objectives and plans. Basic Skills of Outstanding Leadership include planning, decision-making, persuasion, coaching and development, adaptability, relationships, vision and strategy, communication, teamwork, and integrity (“Example leadership skill list” n.p.). Thus, leadership does not only requires a leader to be much intelligent, he or she must also be responsible, matured in decision-making, good in critical thinking, patient, sport and flexible inter-personal skills so he could manage well different persons of different attitude and personality. Conclusion Skills are necessary factors that improve human life. Unlike technology, skills do not lose its power to bring man to develop as time goes by. It is learned through consistent and persistent practice--that leads to mastery and then as a habit. Skills in communication enable humans to convey their feelings, intent and desires to another. Learned ability is skill; skill, when honed and mastered, contributes to good personality. Cognitive, perceptual and motor skills speak what kind of learner an individual is. Skill is like education, no one can steal it from one’s mind--but may be shared to anyone. It is only when man dies his skills will vanish. Recommendation This paper has established the information needed to satisfy and answer the thesis. The researcher presented ideas from different minds to support the facts stated herein. However, this paper suggests to the parents, teachers, leaders, politicians and everyone from different walks of life to help specially the students and children hone and develop their little skills in order for them to improve as a person. Furthermore, students also should take every step of the way as a challenge, and come out from their comfort zones. Little skill is like rough stone that, by constant rubbing off with sandpaper, it gets smoother. So is skill, it becomes ‘finer’ each time it is used. Works Cited “Abilities and Skills.” Teach PE. Teach PE, 2011. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . Cliento, Dianne. "Skill." Brainy Qoute. Brainy Quote, 2011. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. “Example Leadership Skills List: 10 Great Leader Qualities.” What Are Good Leadership Skills.com. What Are Good Leadership Skills, 2007. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . “Examples of Skills.” University of Massachusetts Amherst. University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2007. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . Foster, Dawn. “Online Community Manager: What Does It Take to be Successful?” Gigaom. Gigaom, 2 Feb. 2009. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . "Perception." Mosby's Medical dictionary. 8th ed. 2009. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . Robins, Anthony. "Communication Quote." Think exist.com. Think exist.com, 2010. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . Vanlehn, Kurt. Cognitive Skill Acquisition. Questia 47. Web. 26 April 2011. . Walkley, Jeff. “Why Are Motor Skills Important?” Editorial. The ACHPER Healthy Lifestyle Journal. Web. . “What Are Motor Skills?” EducClime. EduClime, 2005. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . Wulf, Gabriele. Attention and Motor Skill Learning. US: Human Kinetics, 2007. Print. Read More