Principles and theories of learning movement skills Flashcards
Operant conditioning
What is it? (4)
What is reinforcement? (2)
What is positive reinforcement?
Example of it?
What is negative reinforcement?
Example of it?
What is punishment?
Example of it?
What is it
- An example of the associationist view of learning
- A group of theories related to connecting stimulus and response.
- These theories are often referred to as S-R theories.
- An individual is conditioned by a stimulus which are connected or bonded to appropriate responses.
What is reinforcement?
- The process that increases the probability of a behaviour occurring.
- Reinforcement strengthens the stimulus-response (S-R) bond.
What is positive reinforcement?
A process by which the performer associates the correct response to the stimulus. The S-R bond is strengthened.
Example
Praise from the coach when a reverse lay up is completed successfully.
What is negative reinforcement?
A process by which an unpleasant stimulus is withdrawn when the correct response is given. The S-R bond is strengthened
Example
The coach stops shouting at the team, when they complete the tactic successfully
What is punishment?
Giving a stimulus to prevent a response occurring. Breaking a S-R bond
Example
Being sent off in a football match
Thorndike’s Laws with example
Law of exercise
- Repeating or rehearsing the S-R connections is more likely to strengthen them. If the desired response is achieved reinforcement is necessary
eg. A gymnast repeatedly practises the floor routine, the S-R bonds are exercised. The more times that this occurs the more likely the response is bonded
Law of effect
- If the response is followed by a satisfier then the S-R bond is strengthened.
- If the response is followed by an annoyer then the S-R bond is weakened.
- Pleasant outcomes should cause the performer to be motivated
eg. Beginner rugby player is attempting a spin pass and is successful; they are more likely that the performer will repeat the skill successfully again. If unsuccessful the effect is failure, therefore; skill will be avoided in the future.
Law of readiness
- The performer must be physically and mentally able to complete the task effectively
eg. Hockey player is drilled to perform a particular type of flick, this makes them predictable and demotivated. Performer needs to take a break, so that new strategies can be practised.
Social learning theory (4 facts)
- We observe and copy behaviour because it helps us to be part of a group and be more socially acceptable.
- We can relate this type of learning to the acquisition of motor skills.
- We copy the skills performed by others because we are motivated to achieve success and because of our drive to be accepted by others.
- The coach or teacher could be viewed as a ‘significant other’, and therefore as a role model they are copied.
SLT - Processes of observational learning (1,4,3,3,2,1)
Demonstration:
- A coach gives a demonstration of a skill such as: smash shot in tennis
Attention:
- Performer must pay attention to the demonstration and focus on important cues.
- The amount of attention paid is influenced by:
- Attractiveness/competence/status of the model - Attention span of observer/incentives for observer
Retention:
- Observer needs to remember the model that is presented.
- A mental picture of the technique needs to be created
- Mental rehearsal can improve the retention of the image
Reproduction:
- Observer must be physically able to imitate the skill being observed
- Demonstrations should match the capabilities of the performer
- Feedback is important to help the motor reproduction match the technical model.
Motivation:
- Level of motivation is crucial if they are going to imitate the performance.
- External reinforcement of the model will increase the motivation to imitate it
Matching Performance:
- The observer goes through a period of practice to develop the skill to match the demonstration/technical model.
Cognitive theory of learning (10)
- These theories approaches are concerned with thinking and understanding.
- These theorists believe that ‘trial and error learning’ has no place and the process is often referred to as insight learning.
- Insight learning is a form of problem solving involving memory. Previous experiences are used to solve new problems.
- This cognitive view is often known as Gestaltist Theory.
Gestaltist means ‘entirety’ or ‘wholeness of form.
- Gestaltists think that we perceive objects/skills/processes as a whole rather than a collection of parts.
- The cognitive view lends support to ‘whole practice teaching rather than part practice-playing the game so that the participants understand what is required rather than simply learning the skills separately.
- Giving young children lots of sporting experiences may also help with their future learning and motor development because the child can draw from these experiences to understand a problem and then solve it - gaining insight into the learning process.
Intervening Variables:
- Intervening variables are mental processes occurring between the stimulus being received and the response.
- For example a performer takes into account the independent variable of the opponents movement during a tennis match
Example of using cognitive theory of learning:
Cricketeer who learns how to swing the ball when bowling through understanding the basic mechanics of movement
How to learn/develop skills using Cognitive strategies: (10 things)
- Whole practice
- Explain/describe the whole technique
- Use video analysis and self assessment
- Demonstration and copy
- Slow down the technique
- Concentrate on the ‘feeling’ or kinaesthesis of the movement
- Rehearse the whole movement in realistic conditions e.g. a game situation
- Mental rehearsal
- Develop the skill by making the performer solve their own problems
- Questioning by the coach/teacher
Discuss the effects of Thorndike’s Laws on the S-R bond and the learning of movement skills (6 marks) - Mark Scheme
Describe the cognitive theory of learning. Give a practical example of how it might be applied to learning a movement skill and a practical example of how it might be applied to a healthy lifestyle. (6 marks)
