Module 10 - Skill Instruction

What is the traditional approach to skill acquisition?

// Instructor-led, structured method using direct instruction, repetition, and drills. Learners imitate a movement template. Rooted in motor program and information processing theories.

What is the constraints-led approach?

// The instructor manipulates task, environment, and learner constraints so learners explore and discover their own movement solutions. Rooted in dynamical systems theory.

What is hands-on instruction?

// A direct teaching style involving verbal instructions, demonstrations, and feedback to guide the learner toward a specific movement pattern.

What is hands-off instruction?

// An indirect style where the instructor sets up problems and lets learners find solutions without being told exactly how to move.

What is guided discovery?

// An instructional method where the instructor asks strategic questions to lead learners toward the correct movement or answer, without directly telling them what to do.

What is an external focus of attention?

// Directing attention toward the outcome or effect of the movement (e.g., the ball, the target). Generally improves performance and learning more than an internal focus.

What is an internal focus of attention?

// Directing attention toward one's own body movements (e.g., "bend your knees"). Can interfere with natural, automatic movement patterns — especially for skilled performers.

What are verbal cues?

// Short, specific words or phrases that direct a learner's attention to key elements of a movement. Should be concise, accurate, and limited in number to avoid overloading the learner.

What is observational learning?

// Learning that occurs by watching a model perform a skill. The learner gains some benefit without physically practicing.

What is social cognitive theory (re: modelling)?

// Bandura's theory — learners observe a model, form a mental representation of the movement, and use that template to guide and evaluate their own performance. Involves attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation.

What is the dynamic interpretation of modelling?

// An alternative to social cognitive theory — learners pick up coordination patterns directly from observation without forming an explicit mental representation. Emphasizes perception-action coupling.

What is task complexity?

// The level of difficulty of a skill based on how many components it has and how much attention, memory, and decision-making it requires.

What is task organization?

// How closely connected or interdependent the parts of a skill are. High organization = parts must be performed together = typically practice as a whole.

What is part practice?

// Breaking a skill into smaller components, practicing them separately, then combining them. Best for high complexity, low organization skills.

What is whole practice?

// Practicing the entire skill all at once. Best for low complexity, high organization skills where parts are tightly integrated.

What are the three types of part practice?

// 1. Segmentation — sequential parts practiced separately then combined. 2. Fractionalization — simultaneous parts separated (e.g., arms vs. legs in swimming); transfer can be poor. 3. Simplification — task difficulty reduced by modifying equipment, environment, or coordination demands.

Research articles — Module 10: What are the key takeaways?

// Gray (2020): Constraints-led approach produced the greatest improvement in baseball batting — exploration outperformed direct instruction. Lelievre et al. (2021): Slow-motion, real-time, and combined video demonstrations were equally effective for learning a dance skill — demonstration speed didn't matter.