Skill acquisition theories

Skill acquisition theories explain how people learn and develop new skills over time. They suggest that learning happens through different stages, starting with initial understanding, then practice, and eventually reaching a level where the skill becomes automatic. Models like the Fitts and Posner three-stage model describe this process as cognitive (thinking and understanding), associative (refining and practicing), and autonomous (performing smoothly without much thought). These theories highlight that learning a skill involves both understanding of the task and repeated practice, leading to improved performance and mastery over time.