To master a new skill many people read about and practice the new skill. To learn more efficiently you must also rely upon social sources for skill acquisition. Social sources for learning include anybody who can demonstrate and explain the skill you are trying to acquire.  In other words you need to watch someone perform the skill you want to learn. This could be someone on a YouTube video. Preferably watch a live performance from a person you relate to and admire. A model provides you with a basic pattern of performance to emulate and it is okay if you do not imitate your models exact actions.

Models motivate you to perform better   

Credible models convey performance standards that will motivate you to learn the new skill. If you want to learn how to lay bricks find a bricklayer who can demonstrate the skill to you. Models can exert an even more positive influence upon an observer’s future performance by expressing their beliefs about and interest in their skill development. Watching a model helps increase an observers’ self-efficacy for the relevant skill. Self-efficacy is one’s belief that they can perform a particular task.

Feedback from models improves your performance

If you want to solve engineering problems find a knowledgeable person who can solve such problems. Have this person explain their rationale for solving the problem. Models also elevate one’s skill level by offering explanations. This is important because this type of dialog helps skill builders become more proficient in enacting the steps outlined in the explanation.  Collaboration is important in building new skills. The next time you are trying to learn something new consult with a knowledgeable and trustworthy person.