Phases of learning

• Fitts and Posner (1967) suggested that learning is sequential in three different phases.
• Stages of learning

  • Cognitive
  • Associative
  • Autonomous
• Cognitive Stage

  • The earliest stage
  • Lots of trial and error
  • Demonstrations are important
  • Visual , manual and mechanical guidance are important
• Cognitive stage

  • Success is reinforced by performers experiencing success or being told by coach
  • The learner is trying to create a mental picture of the skill
  • Failure needs to be addressed
• Performance in the cognitive stage

  • Poor accuracy
  • Inconsistent
  • Lack fluency
  • Full or errors
• Associative stage

  • Beginners start to eliminate mistakes and refine skills
  • Motor programmes start to become more developed, but skills are not as grooved
  • Performance improves and is much smoother
• Associative stage characteristics

  • Better coordination
  • Motor programmes are developed
  • Fundamental skills mastered
  • Greater use of kinaesthetic feedback.