Experts amongst us: What do we know about them?

Abstract

Experts are identifiable individuals whose performances show consistent patterns of advanced level achievement on objective measures over time. Empirical research into the traits of such individuals began in 1899, and a substantial database has accumulated, across some 90 different skill areas and professions. Developing expertise changes the way the mind processes information, and becomes a genuine handicap when striving to teach skills to newcomers. However, a body of research informs us that classroom teaching constitutes a significant skill domain, and the traits identified are consistent with what is known about expertise across scores of other professions and skill domains.