In virtually every case experience trumps mere knowledge of facts.
As a cook, here is my example.
I will write down for you the entire and precise recipe for one of my signature dishes. after reading it, you will possess all the knowledge that I have. You will know ingredients and measurements, orderly procedure and techniques, what tools to use, times and temps.
We both begin on a level playing field with the exact same knowledge. My sole advantage is that I have prepared this meal a dozen times before.
Whose meal do you think will turn out better?
As a writer, I was always taught to “write to my audience.” I knew this as an accepted fact. Nonetheless, it took years of experience to learn how to do that.
We all know that being bitten by a venomous black widow spider is potentially deadly. I never understood how potentially deadly it was until I had gone through that experience.
Finally, I have taught for 40+ years around the globe. Every student, parent, peer teacher and administrator can easily spot within weeks whether a first year teacher will eventually become a good teacher or not. He obviously possesses the knowledge, still he will make newbie mistakes that can be coached through and forgiven.
Paraphrasing myself may help to explain. After a few years into my career, my peers, admin and students awarded me a “Teacher of the Year Plaque.” Yeah, I know, so what?
Sitting among my colleagues I said, “ When I started I knew all that I had to know. I just hadn’t figured out how to use it.”
Experience trumps knowledge.
Global English Tutor - Paul Cuadrado 