2.3 Principles and theories of learning and performing

Question 1

Explain the term ‘learning plateau’

Answer 1

A period during performance when there is no sign of improvement (and potential decline in motivation due to lack of confidence)

Question 2

How is a learning plateau visually presented?

Answer 2

Using a leaning curve graph

Question 3

Describe and explain the first stage of a learning curve graph

Answer 3

Stage 1: Cognitive stage of learning therefor success is low. Performer is trying to work out parts of the skill and are developing an understanding.

Question 4

Describe and explain the second stage of a learning curve graph

Answer 4

Stage 2: Associative phase. As the skill is being practiced, there is a sharp/rapid increase in their success rate as they grasp the skill. Performance looks more fluid and motivation is high.

Question 5

Describe and explain the third stage of a learning curve graph

Answer 5

Stage 3: The performer reaches a plateau, no longer progressing with the skill. Performance levels are maintained with no further improvement.

Question 6

Describe and explain the fourth stage of a learning curve graph

Answer 6

Stage 4: Success rate of performance declines due to lack of motivation.

Question 7

Identify the potential causes of a learning plateau

Answer 7

• Loss of motivation due to boredom
• Mental/physical fatigue
• Limit of ability is reached
• Poor coaching
• Incorrect goals set

Question 8

Identify what is labeled on the axes of a learning curve graph?

Answer 8

y = success rate
x= time

Question 9

Identify the stages of learning

Answer 9

Cognitive
Associative
Autonomous

Question 10

Identify and describe the first stage of learning

Answer 10

Cognitive stage

• Beginner
• Motor programmes not formed yet
• Mistakes are frequently made
• Not fluent performance
• Learners have to think carefully about performing a skill

Question 11

Identify what type of feedback a cognitive learner requires

Answer 11

Extrinsic, positive, knowledge of result

Question 12

Identify and describe the second stage of learning

Answer 12

Associative stage

• Intermediate
• Motor programmes are developing
• Performance appears smoother and more coordinated
• Fewer mistakes are made
• Performer can focus on finer aspects of the skill
• Develop kinaesthesis

Question 12

Identify what type of feedback an associative learner requires

Answer 12

• Intrinsic
• Extrinsic
• Performer begins to use knowledge of performance

Question 13

Identify and describe the last stage of learning

Answer 13

Autonomous stage

• Performance is fluent and habitual due to extensive practise
• Movements/skills are habitual
• Motor programmes are fully formed
• Skills executed automatically
• Only required to concentrate on smaller/finer details of an already fluent skill

Question 14

Identify the type of feedback an autonomous learner requires

Answer 14

• Intrinsic
• Extrinsic
• Knowledge of performance

Question 15

Identify the theories involved with learning and state their theorists

Answer 15

Insight learning: Gestalt
Operant conditioning: B.F Skinner
Observational learning: Bandura
Social development: Vygotsky

Question 16

Identify the theorists that suggested the Insight learning theory

Answer 16

Gestalt or Gestaltists

Question 17

Describe and explain the Insight learning theory

Answer 17

Gestaltists believed that one should learning the skill as a whole to create greater effectiveness and understanding.

Suggested that experiencing the whole skill is more effective than parts/subroutines. The performer will come up with own their own strategies without relying on the coach (independent thinking).

Question 18

What does the insight learning theory enable a performer to maintain?

Answer 18

Kinaesthesis

Question 19

Give an example of the insight learning theory

Answer 19

A 2 vs. 1 situation in rugby, the player need to individually decide what to do = kick, pass, dummy pass or run.

Question 20

Note:
Insight learning is a Cognitive theory as the performer has to think about what to do next. The performer with therefore use their past experiences and prior knowledge to aid in the decision making.

Answer 20

Note:
Insight learning is a Cognitive theory as the performer has to think about what to do next. The performer with therefore use their past experiences and prior knowledge to aid in the decision making.

Question 21

Explain why the theorist Gestalt believed that part learning is not as efficient as whole learning? Identify the theory Gestalt constructed.

Answer 21

Insight learning theory

Gestalt believe that by practicing the whole skill the performer will be able to gain a greater understanding of the task and kinaesthesis will occur. The flow of the skill will be maintained.

Question 22

Identify which theorist constructed the operant conditioning theory

Answer 22

B.F Skinner

Question 23

Explain and describe the operant conditioning theory

Answer 23

Learning happens by strengthening a link between a stimulus and a response (S-R bond). Once the bond is formed, it increases the likelihood of the desired response occuring. Skinner suggested that when reinforced, the correct S-R bonds (actions) are strengthened and that the incorrect actions are weakened.

Question 24

Explain how an S-R bonds is formed

Answer 24

Through reinforcement

Question 25

When learning skills through operant conditioning, a coach should:

Answer 25

- Allow the performer to use TRIAL AND ERROR - MANIPULATE THE ENVIRONMENT to ensure the successful response occurs - Offer POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT - Offer an ANNOYER (punishment)

Question 26

Describe the characteristics of positive reinforcement. Include examples to support your answer.

Answer 26

A pleasant stimulus after the correct response. For example a coach offering praise to the swimmer for a correct leg action will increase motivation and likelihood of repeating the successful action.

Question 27

Describe the characteristics of negative reinforcement. Include examples to support your answer.

Answer 27

The TAKING AWAY an unpleasant stimulus when the performer does the correct action AFTER A PERIOD OF CRITICISM (shouting). For example, a netball coach constantly criticises the GA for missing shots, when she eventually scores, the coach stops giving criticism. The GA recognises that she has not been criticised and repeats the correct action.

Question 28

Explain and give an example of punishment in terms of reinforcement

Answer 28

Method of reducing undesirable actions. e.g. fines, bans, extra training, 'suicide runs'

Question 29

Identify the theorist that suggested the observational learning theory

Answer 29

Bandura

Question 30

Identify and explain Bandura's learning theory

Answer 30

Observational learning theory. An individual learns through watching and copying the actions of a more knowledgeable other (MKO). Bandura suggested that an individual must engage in the four processes to learn a new skill: 1. Attention 2. Retention 3. Motor production 4. Motivation | We learn by watching and replicating the actions of an MKO

Question 31

Within Bandura's observational learning theory he suggested that a performer can learn a new skill by engaging in processes. Identify these processes.

Answer 31

1. Attention 2. Retention 3. Motor production 4. Motivation

Question 32

Identify and explain the first process a learner should be engage in when mentioning the observational learning theory

Answer 32

1. Attention Coach needs to ensure that the performer CONCENTRATES on model. Coach can point out key CUES/PARTS in demonstration. Demonstration should be attractive and accurate.

Question 33

Identify and explain the second process a learner should be engage in when mentioning the observational learning theory

Answer 33

2. Retention Ensure that the performer remembers demonstration. Demonstration should be repeated for a clear mental image, visualisation, mental rehearsal.

Question 34

Identify and explain the third process a learner should be engage in when mentioning the observational learning theory

Answer 34

3. Motor Production Performers must be physically and mentally able to copy the demonstration.

Question 35

Identify the theorists that suggested the social development learning theory

Answer 35

Vygotsky

Question 36

What did Vygotsky suggest about the social development learning theory.

Answer 36

The social development theory suggests that we learn skills from people around us with whom we interact (MKO).

Question 37

Identify the order in which phycological learning takes place and who suggested this theory

Answer 37

Vygotski's social development theory: Inter and intra phycological learning takes place in two steps: 1. INTER: learnt ExteRnaly Skills learned from a coach. Tthe learner uses a MKO to get advice, feedback and tactical knowledge. 2. INTRA: learnt InetRnAly Once external advice has been absorbed, learning can then take place within the learner. The learner will think and construct actions based on what they learned externally through inter psychological learning.

Question 38

Vygotsky suggested that learning can be ___ into stages. ___ up learning stages.

Answer 38

Vygotsky suggested that learning can be constructed into stages. Building up learning stages.

Question 39

Vygotsky suggested that learning can be constructed into _____

Answer 39

Vygotsky suggested that learning can be constructed into stages

Question 40

Explain what Vygotsky meant through constructing learning and give an example of this.

Answer 40

Building up learning in stages. Building layers of skill For example: "i can hold a hockey stick, now i can learn how to dribble in straight line. i know how to dribble in straight line. Now i can learn to change direction."

Question 41

Describe the zone of proximal development in reference to Vygotsky's social development theory.

Answer 41

1. What i can do by myself 2. What i can do with the help of an MKO 3. What i cant do YET

Question 42

Identify what is meant by a "MKO" and explain why it is important when learning skills?

Answer 42

An MKO is someone who has a greater understanding of the skill than yourself = More Knowledgable Other - Motivation - Feedback - Technical advice

Question 43

Identify potential solutions for an athlete going through a learning plateau

Answer 43

- Set new challenges/tasks - Use variable practice - Offer tangible rewards - Rest - Distributed practice - Ensure performer is competing against others of similar ability - Vary coaching methods - SMART target

Question 44

Identify and explain the last process a learner should be engage in when mentioning the observational learning theory

Answer 44

4. Motivation The performer must be determined to copy the demonstration. A coach could achieve this by offering praise or a reward.

Question 45

Explain the 'zone of proximal development'

Answer 45

'Zone of proximal development': the next stage of learning based of the performers needs and current level.

Question 46

Give a sporting example of the zone of proximal development

Answer 46

What i can do alone: dribble in a straight line What i can do with help: change direction keeping the ball close What i cant do yet: dribble past a defender

Question 47

Explain what is meant by the term 'constructivism'

Answer 47

Constructivism: building up learning in stages based on the current level of performance.