Definition
Knowledge of facts, concepts, rules, and definitions that a learner can consciously recall and state. It is the 'knowing what' part of learning — information about a subject that exists in the learner's mind as recallable content, as distinct from the ability to actually perform a task.
Plain English
The facts and information you know and can describe — the stuff you can talk about or write down. It is what you know, not what you can do.
Context Anchor
Seen in instructor training and lesson planning when describing what a student understands versus what the student can actually do.
Derivation
From the Latin 'declarare,' meaning 'to make clear' or 'to state openly.' Declarative knowledge is knowledge you can declare — say out loud or write down. That origin matches its meaning here: information the learner can articulate.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding declarative knowledge helps instructors break down complex flying tasks into teachable facts before students practice them in the air.
Grounding Statement
A learner shows declarative knowledge when they can answer, “What does this mean?” or “What is the rule?” in their own words.
Intuition Check
Do not assume declarative knowledge means the student can already perform the skill. It means the student can state or explain the knowledge; doing it smoothly still requires practice.
Example Sentence 1
Memorizing the V-speeds for the aircraft is an example of declarative knowledge.
Example Sentence 2
Before practicing stalls, the instructor confirmed the student possessed declarative knowledge of the aerodynamic causes and recovery procedures.