Learning

• What is learning?


  a relatively permanent change in behaviour due to experience
• What is performance?

  the end result of an activity
• What are the three stages of learning?

  cognitive, associative, autonomous
• What happens during the cognitive stage of learning?

  First stage of learning

  Performer has to think carefully about their actions

  Understanding of sub routines is explored through trial and error
• What are the characteristics of a cognitive learner?


  Movements are slow and uncoordinated

  Motor programmes aren't developed yet
• What happens during the associative stage of learning?

  Second stage of learning

  Longest in duration

  Motor programmes develop
• What are the characteristics of an associative learner?

  Trial and error is still used to perfect skills

  Can use intrinsic feedback

  Modelling

  Movements are smoother and more coordinated
• What is modelling?


  The process of copying the behaviors of the chosen role model(s)
• What happens during the autonomous stage of learning?


  Movements become detailed and specific

  Movements become habitual/subconscious
• What are the characteristics of an autonomous learner?

  Motor programmes are fully developed

  Classed as an elite performer
• What type of feedback is best for cognitive learners?

  Positive

  Knowledge of results

  Extrinsic
• What type of feedback is best for associative learners?

  Extrinsic

  Intrinsic

  Knowledge of Performance
• What type of feedback is best for autonomous learners?

  Negative

  Intrinsic

  Knowledge of performance

  Extrinsic
• What is intrinsic feedback?

  Feedback from within, for example kinaesthetic feel.
• What is extrinsic feedback?

  Feedback from an external source to allow for improvement
• What is positive feedback?


  Player is informed on what they did successfully
• What is negative feedback?

  A performer is given information on what they can improve
• What is knowledge of results?

  Augmented feedback about outcome of movement
• What is knowledge of performance?

  Feedback about the quality of performance
• What are the four types of guidance?

  Visual

  Verbal

  Manual

  Mechanical
• What is visual guidance?

  Guidance that you can see
• Why is visual guidance used?

  To help the performer develop a mental image of the skill
• How can demonstrations be made effective?

  Ensure players are listening

  Ensure it's within the players' capabilities

  Repeat it

  Use reinforcement

  Highlight key points and the purpose
• What are advantages of visual guidance?

  Can highlight weaknesses

  Forms mental image
• What are disadvantages of visual guidance?

  Must be completely accurate or skill is learnt wrong

  Can overload players' with information

  Time consuming
• What is verbal guidance?

  Guidance that is provided by another person speaking to you.
• How can verbal guidance be used?

  Expert = technical, detailed advice

  tactical advice during performance

  Ensure correct actions

  Explain certain aspects of a skill
• What are advantages of verbal guidance?

  Means of giving feedback
• What are disadvantages of verbal guidance?

  Can confuse performer

  Needs to be brief to avoid overload

  Novices may not understand technical language
• What is manual guidance?

  When the coach physically moves your body through the technique
• What are advantages of manual guidance?

  Reduces danger

  Builds confidence

  Reduces fear

  Helps learn complex skills
• What are disadvantages of manual guidance?

  Can become over reliant

  May lose kinaesthetic feel once removed

  Close proximity of coach may be off putting
• What is mechanical guidance?

  Using mechanical aids to assist a performer
• What are advantages of mechanical guidance?

  Increases confidence

  Reduces danger

  Gives early feel for the skill

  Can be used for injured or disabled athletes
• What are disadvantages of mechanical guidance?

  Over use may interfere with task

  When removed, performer may lose confidence

  Can lose motivation if the skill still isn't being performed independently after a period of time
• What is a learning plateau?


  A period of no improvement
• What is a learning curve?


  A graph showing what happens when a closed skill is continuously performed
• What are the four stages of a learning curve?

  1. Rate of learning is slow as performer is in the cognitive stage of learning and is understanding sub routines

  2. Rapid acceleration in rate of learning and success rate increases

  3. No improvement in the rate of learning - learning plateau has been reached

  4. Performance begins to decrease due to fatigue
• What can cause a learning plateau?

  Loss of motivation

  Boredom

  Incorrect or poor coaching

  Limit of ability has been reached

  Target is too low

  Fatigue
• How can you overcome a learning plateau?

  Coach can offer reinforcement as rewards

  Players can find new coach

  Task could be changed

  Goals could be reset to achievable level

  Rest

  Add variety to practice

  Explain plateau to avoid player taking personal responsibility

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