Learning Progression Tiers
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Overview
The Learning Progression Framework maps five distinct stages of expertise development, from initial awareness through mastery. This progression guides learners, educators, and organizations in systematically building competence with mental models and problem-solving frameworks.
Tier Range: Awareness (Tier 0) → Master (Tier 4)
Path: Pre-Learning → Tool User → Integrator → Architect → Creator
Aligned with: Base-N Architecture for progressive model selection
The Five Learning Tiers
Tier 0: Pre-Learning (Awareness)
Stage Descriptor: Awareness / Recognition
Characteristics:
- Awareness that mental models exist
- Recognition of different problem types
- No systematic framework application
- Learning by observation and intuition
Cognitive Development:
- Building vocabulary
- Identifying patterns
- Recognizing complexity
- Developing curiosity
Typical Activities:
- Reading introductory materials
- Watching demonstrations
- Attending presentations
- Exploring examples
Time to Progress: Variable (weeks to months)
Base-N Level: Pre-Base6 (exploring foundational concepts)
Learning Goals:
- Understand framework vocabulary
- Recognize problem complexity levels
- Appreciate value of systematic approaches
- Build motivation for structured learning
Stage Descriptor: Application / Tool Use
Characteristics:
- Can apply individual models with guidance
- Follows established procedures
- Relies on checklists and templates
- Focus on correct execution
Cognitive Development:
- Procedural knowledge
- Pattern matching
- Rule following
- Building confidence
Typical Activities:
- Using assessment worksheets
- Following decision trees
- Applying scoring rubrics
- Working through tutorials
Time to Progress: 3-6 months with regular practice
Base-N Level: Base6 (6 foundational models)
Learning Goals:
- Master basic assessment tools
- Apply wickedness scoring correctly
- Use foundational mental models
- Develop consistent practice habits
Example Competencies:
- Score a problem using the 5-question tool
- Identify which tier a problem belongs to
- Select appropriate Base-N level
- Recognize when to seek expert guidance
Stage Descriptor: Integration / Combination
Characteristics:
- Combines multiple models effectively
- Adapts approaches to context
- Recognizes patterns across domains
- Developing judgment and intuition
Cognitive Development:
- Conceptual understanding
- Cross-domain transfer
- Adaptive thinking
- Strategic selection
Typical Activities:
- Solving real-world problems
- Customizing approaches
- Teaching beginners
- Experimenting with combinations
Time to Progress: 1-2 years with deliberate practice
Base-N Level: Base12-Base24 (12-24 models)
Learning Goals:
- Integrate multiple mental models
- Adapt frameworks to specific contexts
- Recognize model limitations
- Develop personal problem-solving style
Example Competencies:
- Combine 3-5 models for complex problems
- Explain trade-offs between approaches
- Modify templates for specific situations
- Mentor Tier 1 learners effectively
Tier 3: Architect (Advanced)
Stage Descriptor: Design / Architecture
Characteristics:
- Designs custom frameworks
- Recognizes meta-patterns
- Creates new combinations
- Contributes to methodology development
Cognitive Development:
- Systems thinking
- Pattern creation
- Framework design
- Innovation within constraints
Typical Activities:
- Developing organizational approaches
- Creating domain-specific adaptations
- Publishing case studies
- Leading complex initiatives
Time to Progress: 3-5 years of intensive practice
Base-N Level: Base24-Base36 (24-36 models)
Learning Goals:
- Design context-specific frameworks
- Identify gaps in existing approaches
- Create new model combinations
- Build organizational capacity
Example Competencies:
- Design assessment tools for specific domains
- Create training programs for organizations
- Publish validated case studies
- Identify framework limitations and extensions
Tier 4: Creator (Master)
Stage Descriptor: Creation / Innovation
Characteristics:
- Extends the framework itself
- Identifies theoretical gaps
- Conducts validation research
- Contributes to field advancement
Cognitive Development:
- Theoretical innovation
- Research design
- Empirical validation
- Paradigm development
Typical Activities:
- Conducting validation studies
- Publishing academic research
- Developing new theoretical constructs
- Training Tier 3 practitioners
Time to Progress: 5-10+ years, ongoing mastery
Base-N Level: Base36-BASE120 (36-120 models)
Learning Goals:
- Advance the theoretical framework
- Conduct rigorous validation
- Identify new applications
- Build academic/professional field
Example Competencies:
- Design and execute validation studies
- Publish peer-reviewed research
- Identify new problem tier dimensions
- Develop extensions to Base-N architecture
Learning Progression Path
Tier 0: Awareness
↓ (Weeks-Months)
└─→ Learn vocabulary, explore examples
Tier 1: Beginner
↓ (3-6 Months)
└─→ Practice with guidance, build procedural knowledge
Tier 2: Intermediate
↓ (1-2 Years)
└─→ Integrate models, develop judgment
Tier 3: Advanced
↓ (3-5 Years)
└─→ Design frameworks, create adaptations
Tier 4: Master
↓ (5-10+ Years)
└─→ Extend theory, conduct research
Skill Development Matrix
| Tier |
Knowledge |
Skills |
Autonomy |
Impact |
| 0: Awareness |
Vocabulary |
Recognition |
Dependent |
Personal insight |
| 1: Beginner |
Procedures |
Application |
Guided |
Immediate tasks |
| 2: Intermediate |
Concepts |
Integration |
Semi-autonomous |
Team/project level |
| 3: Advanced |
Patterns |
Design |
Autonomous |
Organizational |
| 4: Master |
Theory |
Innovation |
Independent |
Field-wide |
Assessment: What’s Your Learning Tier?
Self-Assessment Questions
Tier 0-1 Indicators:
- Do you need templates and checklists to apply frameworks?
- Are you still building vocabulary and basic understanding?
- Do you primarily learn by following examples?
Tier 1-2 Transition:
- Can you adapt approaches without explicit guidance?
- Do you combine multiple models effectively?
- Can you explain trade-offs between different approaches?
Tier 2-3 Transition:
- Have you designed custom frameworks for your domain?
- Do others seek your expertise for complex problems?
- Can you identify patterns across multiple domains?
Tier 3-4 Transition:
- Are you conducting validation research?
- Have you published academic or professional work?
- Do you identify theoretical gaps and extensions?
Progression Strategies
Accelerating Development
Tier 0→1 (Building Foundation):
- Work through structured tutorials
- Use assessment templates regularly
- Study worked examples
- Join learning communities
Tier 1→2 (Developing Integration):
- Tackle increasingly complex problems
- Practice model combinations
- Teach beginners (reinforces understanding)
- Seek feedback from advanced practitioners
Tier 2→3 (Building Mastery):
- Lead complex projects
- Create organizational frameworks
- Publish case studies
- Mentor intermediate learners
Tier 3→4 (Contributing Innovation):
- Conduct validation studies
- Publish research
- Develop new theoretical constructs
- Build academic partnerships
Common Challenges
Tier-Specific Obstacles
Tier 0-1:
- Overwhelmed by complexity
- Unclear where to start
- Difficulty seeing practical applications
Solution: Start with simple problems, use structured templates, work with mentors
Tier 1-2:
- Rigidity in applying models
- Difficulty combining approaches
- Over-reliance on procedures
Solution: Practice adaptation, study failure cases, experiment safely
Tier 2-3:
- Imposter syndrome at advanced level
- Difficulty scaling to organizational level
- Balancing innovation with proven approaches
Solution: Document successes, seek peer support, balance risk
Tier 3-4:
- Research design challenges
- Publication barriers
- Balancing practice with research
Solution: Academic partnerships, incremental research, build on existing validation
Base-N Alignment
Matching Learning Tier to Model Count
| Learning Tier |
Base-N Range |
Rationale |
| Tier 0 |
Exploring |
Building awareness of models |
| Tier 1 |
Base6 |
Foundational models only |
| Tier 2 |
Base12-Base24 |
Expanding repertoire |
| Tier 3 |
Base24-Base36 |
Professional/expert level |
| Tier 4 |
Base36-BASE120 |
Complete framework mastery |
See: Base-N Architecture for detailed model selection guidance
Related Pages
Core Framework:
Application Guides:
Reference:
- Glossary - Key terms defined
- FAQ - Common questions answered