Principles + Theories of Learning + Performance

• Insight learning


  The theory aims to develop a performer's learning by understanding the relationship between the sub-routines or different factors that may influence the whole problem rather than learning specific movement patterns
• Learning plateau


  A period where no improvement is made in performance
• Observational learning


  We learn via watching others. Bandura's model suggests 4 factors which affect the success of observation learning: Attention, Retention, Motor reproduction, Motivation
• Operant conditioning


  Primarily concerned with observable and measurable aspects of human behaviour. Emphasizes changes in behaviour that result from stimulus-response associations made by the learner. Uses positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment
• Social development theory


  The idea that meanings and understandings grow out of social encounters, eg young learners who are in contact with adults or more experienced learners. Suggests we learn from 'more knowledgeable others' (MKOs) through inter-psychological or intra-psychological learning
• Cognitive stage of learning


  This is the first stage where learning is very much trial and error. The performer lacks a clear mental image of what the skill should look like so learns through observing others to develop understanding of the relationships between sub-routines. Large errors will often be made
• Associative stage of learning


  Associative learners are in the practice stage. They will have developed a mental image of the skill but will still be reliant on some external feedback. They are starting to develop intrinsic feedback by comparing their performance to others. Though errors are still evident they are smaller and there are fewer of them
• Autonomous stage of learning


  Performance of skills can be completed with little thought allowing the performer to concentrate on other aspects such as tactics and strategies. Intrinsic feedback is highly developed so the performer can self-correct. They're very few, if any smaller errors in skill execution