2.2 principles of learning and performance

Define Learning

A permanent change in behaviour as a result of practice

Define performance

Temporary occurance that an change from time to time because of external and internal influences

Explain the cognitive stage of learning

First stage of learning used by novice.

Understanding and sub-routines are explored by trial and error

No motor programmes developed

Extrinsic feedback

Explain the autonomous stage of learning

The final stage of learning used by an expert when movement is detailed and specific

Motor programmes fully developed

Sporting example of the autonomous stage of learning

An elite/experienced adult hockey player doing a pass

Define feedback

Information to aid error correction

Sporting example of the cognitive stage of learning being used

A novice hockey payer working out the actions of a pass

Explain the associative stage of learning

The second stage of learning as motor programmes are developed and performance is smoother

Practice and practice some more

Internal feedback

Define positive feedback

Information about what was good

Tells payer about what is going well and provides motivation and encouragement

Explain What else might be used along side positive feedback

Praise to give the player an extra feel good factor

Define negative feedback

Information about what is going wrong so errors can be corrected and bad habits can be eliminated

Define extrinsic feedback

From an outside source such as the coach so the performer can gain a view of what they need to improve or aspects of the task they need to maintain

Define intrinsic feedback

Comes from within the performer. Performer may have developed kinaesthesis and use that internal feel to know if they performed a skil wrong

Define knowledge of results

Feedback which gives an initial outcome of the attempted skil

What does knowledge of results help with

Indicates Wether the skill has been successful or not. Successful outcomes need to be maintained and unsuccessful ones need to be eliminated

Define knowedge of performance

Concerned with technique and how that technique can we developed to produce better performance compared to the last attempt

Explain what type of feedback a coach should use in cognitive stage of learning.

Positive and eternal feedback.

They need advice as they will have little knowledge of the skill and positive encouragement will motivate the performer to continue learning.

Define learning plateau

A period of no improvement

Explain stage one of the learning curve

Rate of learning is slow and performance level is poor because the performer is new too the tsk and is in the cognitive stage off learning working out enquired sub-routines of the task

Explain stage 2 of the learning curve

Rapid acceleration in the rate of learning because the performer has begun to master the task and gain some success providing reinforcement and motivation

Explain stage 3 of the learning curve

No improvement in rate of learning and performance has reached a plateau. Performance remains at same level

Explain stage 4 of the learning curve

Period towards end of task when perhaps due to fatigue the performance may deteriorate

Define drive reduction

An end-of-task period when performance may get worse

Give the 6 causes of learning plateau

• lack of motivation

• Boredom

• Coaching

• Limit of ability

• Targets set too low

• Fatigue

Explain lack of motivation in regards to learning plateau

• the lack of incentives or rewards may cause the learner to lose drive and energy for the task

Explain boredom in regards to learning plateau

• the repetitive nature of a closed skill may cause boredom

Explain coaching in regards to learning plateau

• coach may issue incorrect instructions or use incorrect practice methods so the skill is not done correctly

Explain limit of ability in regards to learning plateau

• performer may not improve because they haven’t reached the full extent of their ability.

• They can’t improve because they don’t have the underlying skill level

Explain targets set too low in regards to learning plateau

• the task may not allow the learner to use full range of their skills - can’t improve because the limits of the task doesn’t allow them too

Explain fatigue in regards to learning plateau

• continuous action over a long period of time will inevitably result in tiredness especially if the same muscles are being used repeatedly

4 solutions to overcome the plateau effect

• task could be extended so that the performer is given a new challenge and new targets/goals can be set

• The player could find a new coach to raise performance levels

• Coach could offer more praise and positive reinforcement to provide motivation

• Rest taken to avoid fatigue

Define visual guidance

A demonstration of the required task

What is the intention of visual guidance and give examples

• To create a mental image for a beginner that can be used as a reference point for future practice.

• Given by coach or player in demo

• Social media sites

• Books

• Videos

What should the coach and payer ensure in regards to visual guidance

• that if the demo is given by a fellow peer it should be seen as within the capabilities of the player attempting to copy the demo - so that the performer maintains motivation and confidence.

Advantages of visual guidance

• highlights specific weakness

• Shows what the skill should look like as a result of practice

• Creates a mental image

• Used in conjunction with verbal guidance

Disadvantages of visual guidance

• demonstration must be completely accurate otherwise it may be copied incorrectly

• May confuse the performer due to information overload

Define verbal guidance

Using words to explain the task

Advantages of verbal guidance

• helps build correct mental image in memory

• Experienced players can receive technical and detailed advice

• Often used in conjunction with visual guidance - used to explain the emonstrtions

Disadvantages of verbal guidance

• information overload - confusion and player fees too much demand of memory system

• Performer may lose concentration

• Language used by coach must be understandable - beginners may not recognise technical terms

Define manual guidance

Physically supporting a performer during a movement

Advantages of manual guidance

• helps eliminate danger

• Helps builds confidence of the performer who might not be able to gain the feel of the whole task without help and support from manual guidence

• Reduced fear and anxiety from dangerous tasks

Disadvantages of manual guidance.

• detrimental effect on performance if it is over-used

• Too much reliance on the support may interfere with the feel of the task - done in real environment leading to bad habits

• Performer may begin to depend on support too much. Losing confidence to do it without support

Define mechanical guidance

Using devices/ artificial aids to help performance

Advantages of mechanical guidance

• builds confidence - even though assistance was given the performer has a sense they can do it

• Eliminates danger - harness on trampoline or armbands to help prevent injury

• gives early feel for the whole task

• Can be used for athletes with disabilities and those recovering fro injury

Disadvantages of mechanical guidance

• if used too much an interfere with the feel of the task

• Performer might depend on it too much - loss of confidence - can’t perform skill without assistance