Guidance Flashcards
Types of guidance methods
- visual
- verbal
- mechanical
- manual
Visual guidance
- demonstration of the required task
- it is a coaching or teaching method where a learner is shown how to perform. A skill rather than being told how to do it
- this can be done through demonstrations, videos, mages or diagrams
Purpose of visual guidance
- helps learners see the correct technique before attempting a skill
- aids in the development of a mental image of the movement
- useful for beginners (cognitive learners) who need a clear idea of what the skill should look like
- can highlight key movement patterns, positioning and execution
Visual guidance is most effective when …
- the demonstration is accurate and performed by a skilled individual
- the learner has enough time to observe and process the movement
- key cues the highlighted (e.g. pointing out arm position in a tennis serve)
- used with verbal guidance to reinforce understanding
Visual guidance is least effective when…
- the skill is complex and difficult to imitate just by watching (e.g. gymnastics vault)
- the learner has poor concentration or struggles to process visual information
- the demonstration is incorrect or inconsistent, leading to based habits
Examples of sports with visual guidance
Gymnastics routine
- using video replays to see posture, movement sequences, and technique corrections
Features of visual guidance
- it is for beginners
- it forms a mental picture or image
- it may be a video, chart or book
- it shows what the result should be
- it can be used to highlight a weakness
Problems associated with visual guidance
- too much information can be given at once
- to demonstration must be accurate
- the performer might not be capable of matching the demonstration
Verbal guidance
- it is when a coach or teacher provides spoken instructions, explanations, or feedback to help a learner develop a skill
- often used alongside visual or manual guidance to enhance understanding
- in the form of knowledge of direct, indirect and prompting
Purpose of verbal guidance
- provides key information and cues about technique, strategy, or movement
- helps learners understand how and why a skill is performed
- can be used for motivation and encouragement, especially in competitive settings
- useful for refining skills in autonomous learners who already have basic proficiency
Verbal guidance is most effective when …
- instructions are clear, concise and relevant to the learners level
- used alongside visual guidance to reinforce understanding
- given during breaks or pauses so the learner can process information
- used for fine-tuning skills rather than teaching complex movements from scratch
Verbal guidance is least effective when …
- instructions are too long or complex, leading to cognitive overload
- the learner is a beginner who may struggle to translate words into actions without a demonstration
- the environment is noisy, making it difficult to hear and process instructions
Examples of sport with verbal guidance
Tennis serve adjustments
- a player is told to ‘keep your wrist loose’ to generate more spin on the ball
Problems associated with verbal guidance
- too might information might overload the short term memory
- the performer might lose concentration
- the language could be too complex
Features of verbal guidance
- used in conjunction with visual guidance, it helps to form an image of the skill in the memory
- tactics can be explained to more advanced performers
- it can be used with conditioning and fitness
- it has direct relevance
- feedback can be given verbally and immediately
- it can give technical information
Manual guidance
- this involves physical support, such as holding a gymnast on a vault or during a headstand
- it can involve a type of forced response e.g. when the coach holds the arm of a tennis player to help her learn the movement of a forehand stroke
- its where a coach or instructor physically moves a learners body to demonstrate the correct technique or movement pattern
- often used for beginners or when teaching complex or dangerous skills
Purpose of manual guidance
- helps the performer feel the correct movement pattern
- builds muscle memory by guiding the performers limbs
- provides safety and confidence, especially in high-risk skills (e.g., gymnastics or diving)
- reduces fear and anxiety, making learners more willing to attempt new skills
Advantages of manual guidance
- enhances kinesthetic awareness by allowing performers to experience the correct movement
- builds confidence, especially in beginners or when learning risky movements
- prevents incorrect technique reducing the chance of developing bad habits
Disadvantages of manual guidance
- can create over-reliance on the coach, reducing independent learning
- limits the development of intrinsic feedback which is crucial for skill retention
- may feel uncomfortable or restrictive affecting the natural movement of the performer
Manual guidance (sport example)
- a gymnastics coach physically supporting a learner during a handspring
Why is manual guidance highly effective for beginners and dangerous skills?
- as it provides confidence and ensures correct technique
Manual guidance (conclusion)
- it is a highly effective for beginners and dangerous skills as it provides confidence and ensures correct technique. However, for long term skill acquisition performers should gradually transition to more independent learning methods such as visual and verbal guidance
Manual guidance features
- it is useful to eliminate danger
- it builds confidence
- it gives an early feel and develops early kinaethesis
- it reduces fear and anxiety
- it can help break a complex movement into parts
Problems associated with manual guidance
- the performer may become dependant on the support
- if used too much it can interfere with kinaesthesis
- the proximity of the coach might be upsetting
- an incorrect feel of the skill could result in bad habits