Phases of learning

Question 1

What is the Cognitive Stage of learning? explain in lots of detail

Answer 1

Earliest stage
The learner is trying to create a ‘mental picture’ of the skill
Lots of trial and error
Success reinforced by performer experiencing success or being told by the coach/ teacher
Failure needs to be addressed
Performer needs to understand WHY failure has occurred
Demonstrations are important
Visual, manual and mechanical guidance are important
teacher or coach may highlight key errors (cueing)

Question 2

What is performance like in the cognitive stage?

Answer 2

Poor accuracy
Inconsistent
Lack coordination
Lack fluency
Full of errors

Question 3

What is the Associative Phase of learning? explain in lots of detail. And what is the performance like?

Answer 3

Generally significantly longer than the cognitive phase.
Performer practices the skills and compares or associated movements with the mental image
Feedback occurs (intrinsic and extrinsic)
Beginners start to eliminate mistakes, and refine skills.
Motor Programmes start to become more developed, but skills are not grooved
Performance improves and is much smoother.
However, some learners never move past this stage of learning as they cannot eliminate mistakes.
Fundamental skills mastered
More consistency
Sub-routines in place
Coordination better
More fluent
Motor Programmes are developed (EMP’s).
Greater use of kinaesthetic feedback

Question 4

What is the Autonomous Phase of learning?

Answer 4

Final stage is = autonomous phase.
Movements becoming automatic or subconscious
Distractions ignored (selective attention)
Focus on tactical strategies
Motor programmes fully grooved and stored in LTM
Some performers never reach this stage
Practice must occur to stay in the autonomous stage
The skill is performed with little conscious control – it has become habit (habitual).
The skill learned can be adapted to meet a variety of situations.

Question 5

How can we make sure learners progress through the phases?

Answer 5

Explain the benefit of the drill being performed
Use practices which are realistic to game scenarios
Ensure practices are progressive
Teaching basic/fundamental skills first
Overlearn a skill
Teach similar skills together or point out differences between skills
Don’t teach conflicting skills at the same time
Provide positive feedback/positive reinforcement following success