SKILL LEARNING PRINCIPLES ( LEARNING PHYSICAL SKILLS )

LEARNING

Definition : A permanent improvement in

performance.

Learning will only occur over an extended period of time as a result of coaching, practice and the use of feedback to recognise errors and modify performance.

THE STAGES OF LEARNING

The process of learning a physical skill can be separated into three distinct phases :

COGNITIVE ( beginning stage )

ASSOCIATIVE ( practice stage )

AUTONOMOUS ( automatic or advanced )

COGNITIVE STAGE OF LEARNING : The beginner is trying to

understand the requirements of the task.

The teacher or coach should provide an EXPLANATION and a DEMONSTRATION of the skill.

The learner gains an understanding of the equipment and how it is used.

The beginner will try out the skill a few times to get the feel of the movements required.

ASSOCIATIVE STAGE OF LEARNING : This is the practice stage of

learning.

A large number of practice trials is required.

The learner becomes familiar with the order of sub-routines and their timing.

The learner uses feedback to identify and reduce errors.

Technique is refined and performance is gradually improved and becomes more consistent.

AUTONOMOUS STAGE OF LEARNING : The advanced or elite stage of

learning where skill performance becomes mostly automatic.

Performance is smooth, accurate and consistent.

Attention or focus can be given to other factors such as tactics and opponents.

Performer uses anticipation and skills are easily adapted to game situations.

Technique can be further “fine tuned” with specific practice.

FACTORS AFFECTING LEARNING

Factors that affect learning will include :

* Age * Gender * Hereditary * Mental capacity * Body composition * Personality type * Motivation * Confidence * Previous experience * Previous coaching * Feedback

STYLES OF LEARNING

Individuals have preferred learning styles so it is important that coaches and athletes understand the best ways for particular people to learn.

VISUAL LEARNERS – learn best when there are lots of demonstrations, videos and visual cues.

AUDITORY LEARNERS – learn best when there are specific and detailed instructions and explanations.

KINAESTHETIC LEARNERS – learn best when they get to perform and experience the movement or skill.

REVISION QUESTIONS

1. Define learning :

REVISION QUESTIONS

1. Define learning : A permanent improvement in performance as a result of practice and the use of feedback.

2. List four factors that affect learning :

REVISION QUESTIONS

1. Define learning : A permanent improvement in performance as a result of practice and the use of feedback.

2. List four factors that affect learning : age, gender, hereditary, body shape, previous experience, coaching, motivation, feedback, practice, etc..

3. The learning stage in which the performer forms a picture of the entire skill is known as the:

A/ autonomous stage.B/ associative stage.C/ cognitive stage.D/ formation stage.

4. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the second stage of learning ?A/ Errors are gradually decreased.B/ Large numbers of practice trials are needed.C/ Timing is improved.D/ Feedback is no longer required.

REVISION QUESTIONS5. The autonomous stage of learning involves:

A/ concentrating on the task performed.B/ beginners and advanced performers.C/ no skill improvement or refinement.D/ devoting attention to other tasks.

6. A basketballer dribbles the ball without looking at it. This player is the:A/ autonomous stage of learning.B/ cognitive stage of learning.C/ advanced stage of learning.D/ associative stage of learning.

7. Progress through the three stages of learning will occur:

A/ as a person matures physically.B/ naturally.C/ as a result of practice.D/ all of the above.E/ none of the above.