PE - Stages of learning

What are the 3 stages of learning?

• cognitive

• associative

• autonomous

Why is it important for a coach to know which stage of learning the performer is in?

So they can alter the training sessions to suit them

The type of practice is good for a cognitive learner (novice/beginner)?

Mental practice/ image of skill (demonstration), with the learner using this to form a basic understanding of the skil

What is a cognitive learners performance like?

The skills are performed inconsistently with only a slight improvement being made

What type of guidance does a cognitive learner need?

They rely on visual, manaul and mechanical guidance to perform the skill due to lack of understanding

What errors does a cognitive learner make?

Basic errors are common due to lack of trial and error of this stage

How does a cognitive learner adapt?

The learner does not understand how to adapt their performance when faced with a variety of situations

How much attention does a cognitive learner put in?

The learner has to direct lots of attention to complete the skill

What feedback benefits a cognitive learner?

Extrinsic, positive and terminal feedback are most effective

What type of practice is good for a performer in the associative stage of learning?

A shift towards physical practice takes place

What is the performance of an associative learner like?

Skill performance becomes more consistent, with the largest improvement being made during this stage

What type of guidance does an associative learner benefit from the most?

The learner gains a personal understanding of the key components of the skill

How many errors does a learner in the associative stage make?

Fewer basic errors are made, but errors during the more complex movements still occur

How does an associative learner adapt?

The learner begins to understand how to adapt their performance to be successful in various situations

How much attention does an associative learner put in to their performance?

There is a balance between concious and autonomous control over the skill

What type of feedback is best for an associative learner?

There is less external feedback, with a slight shift towards intrinsic feedback. Positive feedback is still effective

What type of practice do autonomous learners use?

Physical practice and analysis of the practice takes place

What is a autonomous learners performance like?

Skills are successfully performed on a consistent basis, with only slight improvement being made

What type of guidance do autonomous learners benefit from?

The learner has total knowledge of how to perform the skill. Some verbal guidance could be useful

What errors does an autonomous learner make?

Very few errors are made throughout the whole skill movement

How does an autonomous learner adapt?

The learner can easily adapt their skill performance to suit different situations

What is an autonomous learners attention like?

The movement is under autonomous control, with little or no concious thought devoted to the performance

What type of feedback do autonomous learners benefit from?

Intrinsic, concurrent and negative feedback are the most effective

What is learning plateau?

What occurs when the performance of a skill does not improve and therefore plateaus

What are the causes of a learning plateau?

• Disinterest

• Boredom

• Fatigue

• Lack of motivation

• Poor coaching

• Lack of feedback

• Lack of challenge

• Lack of ability/skill

How do you solve a learning plateau?

• Improve the skill level of the performer by attending to separate subroutines of complicated skills

• Improve motivation levels by promoting intrinsic and extrinsic rewards

• Change coach

• Sufficient recovery

• Avoid tedium