Learning Plateaus

Learning Plateau

A period of time when a learner stops progressing/no improvement in performance.

How is a Learning Plateau caused or created?

Physical Readiness

Ability levels

Fitness levels

Fatigue

Tedium and or lack of motivation

How does not developing a clear mental image cause a Learning Plateau?

The performer would be unable to reproduce the skill/movement since they won't have a mental visual picture to refer to, resulting in a learning plateau.

How does a coach create a Learning Plateau?

The quality of their instructions may cause a learning plateau whether they are clear or not, and whether they help the performer develop and learn new skills.

What happens if the level of challenge is too easy?

Causes a Learning Plateau since it isn't difficult enough.

How can someone overcome a Learning Plateau?

Feedback - mainly extrinsically

Coach using the whole-part-whole/progressive part method

Making the drills more challenging/varied/fun

Utilising rest and recovery periods within the session.

Why does using mental rehearsal help someone overcome a Learning Plateau?

They can visualise how to perform the skill or use mental imagery to have a mental picture of the skill to then perform.

How can a struggling performer overcome a Learning Plateau?

They can use visual guidance to build a mental picture of the skill.

What is a solution to overcome a Learning Plateau?

They could strive towards extrinsic rewards/encouragement from the coach or teammates/praise from the coach.

What does SMARTER goals allow for?

Achieving goals becomes more difficult, which can reduce the chance of a learning plateau from occurring.