Four Types of Knowledge

Expanding our definition of knowledge to build better learning experiences

Four Types of Knowledge

Four Types of Knowledge

Propositional

Procedural

Perspectival

Knowing "that" something is true or false. Based on facts or information that can be communicated through language.

Participatory

Knowing "how" to do something. Gained through practice and experience, and it involves the ability to perform a task or action.

Knowing "what it is like" to experience something. Subjective and personal, and it involves understanding the difference perspectives and experiences of other people.

Knowledge gained through active engagement and participation in a community or group. It involves being part of a shared experience and understanding the group's values and beliefs.

WHAT

how

when

who

For Example...

Hover over the learning type to see an example for each situation

Speaking French

Jiu Jitsu

Driving a Car

Procedural

Procedural

Propositional

Propositional

Procedural

Propositional

Participatory

Perspectival

Participatory

Perspectival

Participatory

Perspectival

Another Way to Think About It

What You Get

How You Feel

How to Get It

Conviction

Propositional

Belief

Memorization

Practice

Power/Ability

Skill

Procedural

Presence

Perspectival

Embodiment

Situational Awareness

Participation

Belonging

Self/Identity

Participatory

How to Run a Meetup

Address each type of knowledge to increase engagement and retention

What did you notice? What are your takeaways?

Watch me do this thing. Or, let's do this thing together.

Why are you here? What problem are you trying to solve?

Propositional

Procedural

Who are you? What's your role?

Perspectival

Participatory

How Might We Build Better Expectations?

Perspectival

Propositional

Procedural

Participatory

Propositional

Perspectival

Procedural Learning

The HOW

• Use role playing exercises to help learners practice effective communication and negotiation skills
• Provide practice scenarios that challenge learners to apply their problem-solving and decision-making skills in realistic business situations
• Use simulations to help learners practice their strategic thinking and planning skills

Perspectival Learning

The WHEN

• Use case studies that explore the cultural and societal factors that can impact business decisions
• Encourage learners to participate in group discussions or debates about controversial business topics
• Provide opportunities for learners to interact with business professionals from different cultural backgrounds or industries

Propositional Learning

The WHAT

• Use case studies to illustrate how businesses have used certain strategies to achieve success
• Incorporate interactive quizzes or assessments to test learners' knowledge of key concepts
• Provide clear and concise summaries of important information to help learners retain what they have learned

Participatory Learning

The WHO

• Use group projects to help learners practice their collaboration and teamwork skills
• Provide opportunities for learners to participate in industry-specific internships or job shadowing experiences
• Use gamification techniques to make learning more engaging and interactive