Learning Theories and Stages of Learning

Question 1

Learning

Answer 1

1. RELATIVELY permanent change in performance that results from practice or experience
2. learning process occurs in identifiable stages
3. there are several theories regarding how movement skills are learned

Question 2

Major Learning Theories

Answer 2

1. Fitts and Posner (3-stage model)
2. Adams (2-Stage model)
3. Gentile (2-Stage model)
4. Schmidt’s Schema Theory

Question 3

Fits and Posner’s 3-Stage Model

Answer 3

1. Verbal-Cognitive stage (minutes to days)
   watch and decide goals of movement, self -talk, rapid improvement
2. Associative (Motor) stage (mins to yrs, years because one can become stagnant in learning)
   improved accuracy, better consistency, decreased E expenditure, decrease in self-talk
3. Autonomous Stage (life?)
   highly proficient, attn demands reduced, can now implement strategy/style

Question 4

Adam’s 2-Stage Model

Answer 4

1. VERBAL-MOTOR (combined of first 2 stages from Fitts and posners, establish movement pattern, refining motor program
2. MOTOR

Question 5

Gentile’s 2-Stage Model

Answer 5

** “Getting idea of movement stage”
(learner understands concepts and goals, identifying relevent/irrelevant stimuli)
** FIXATION/DIVERSIFICATION STAGE
1. learner must be able to produce movement across different situations
2. learner must increase consistency
3. adapt basic motor program to changing spacial and temporal situations

Question 6

fixation

Answer 6

closed skills, not much room for variability

Question 7

diversification

Answer 7

open skills, variability in skill

Question 8

Schmidt’s Schema Theory

Answer 8

1. Recall and Recognition schemas
2. generalized motor programs
3. feedback
4. novel responses

Question 9

Recall schema

Answer 9

select and initiate movement

1. initial conditions
2. parameters from past performance
3. outcome of past performing

Question 10

Recognition schema

Answer 10

evaluates and corrects initiated movement

1. initial conditions
2. response outcomes
3. sensory consequences

Question 11

Problems with Learning models

Answer 11

1. large part of theories are based on one “type” of motor learning experimental research (linear positioning skills)
2. contradictory evidence

Question 12

changes through the stages of learning

Answer 12

1. knowledge structure of the skill
2. error detection and correction capability
3. how goal of skill is achieved
4. coordination
5. movement efficiency
6. muscles used to perform skill
7. visual attention