Skill Acquisition - learning plateau/phases of learning

Question 1

what is the learning plateau?

Answer 1

period during performance when there are no signs of improvements; performer does not appear to be getting any better at doing the task.

Question 2

what is the learning curve?

Answer 2

graphic illustration of how the late of learning will vary overtime
1) At the beginning - curve will dip as performer is new to task and is in cognitive stage of learning, trial and error taking place and subroutines being worked out
2) Rapid acceleration in learning because mastery taking place and success is providing motivation and reinforcement
3) At this point, plateau occurs as there is no improvement in rate of learning. Performer maintains same level
4) Towards end - performance will dip due to various reasons below
5) The drop in performance = drive reduction

NOT TO DO WITH FITNESS
On a line graph it is when the line goes flat

Question 3

what are the causes of a plateau?

Answer 3

1) lack of motivation - lack of incentive and extrinsic rewards
2) boredou - the repetitive nature of closed skills can lead to boredom
3) coaching - incorrect practice methods or issuing incorrect instructions
4) limit of ability - reached limit of potential
5) targets set too low - task does not allow the learner to use the full range of skill
6) fatigue - continues actions overtime will result in tiredness, especially if some muscle group used

Question 4

how to overcome the plateau?

Answer 4

1) task could be extended so new challenges, targets or goals are given
2) player could find a new coach
3) coach could offer more praise and positive reinforcement
4) distributed practice to avoid fatigue
5) more variety could be given to task
6) explain cncpet of plateau so performer could avoid it
7) player gets feedback to improve performance and motivation

Question 5

What are the 3 phase of learning ?

Answer 5

Cognitive
Associative
Autonomous

Question 6

What does the cognitive phase include ?

Answer 6

This is the initial phase of learning process
-The learner needs to know: i) what is required? ii) what task is to be performed? iii) what are the basic rules?
-the learner will be dealing with lots of info , mostly through a visual demonstration and then verbal instructions to supplement that demonstration
-the emphasis is on internalising this information
-this allows a mental picture to be formed
-performer goes through the process of mental trials and error
-the performers attention is directed to the important aspects of the skill, selective attention
-these aspects can be highlighted in a variety of ways: i) visually through colour or light. ii) verbally through sound
-this phase is relatively short

Question 7

What problems will the performer encounter in the cognitive phase?

Answer 7

-An overload of information
-Difficultly of selective attention
-In-co-ordinated movements
-Understanding the language
-The complexity of the demonstrations/explanations

Question 8

What does the coach need to consider to help overcome these problems in the cognitive phase ?

Answer 8

-keep the language simple /clear/ concise
-an accurate demonstration of the skill
-use physical manipulation/manual guidance

Question 9

What does the associative phase include ?

Answer 9

This is the practice phase in the learning process.
-this longer than cognitive phase. Some performers will never leave this phase and all performers will re-visit at some time
-the performer is familiarising themselves with the sequence of the sub routines
-motor programmes are developed and stored in the L.T.M
-the fundamental of the skill are being mastered
-gross error detection and correction are being practiced
-skills are being practiced under variety of conditions
-feedback is used and backend more detailed as the performer progresses
-there is some use of intrinsic feedback
-as the performer progresses the emphasis will move away from skill and on to:
i) the type of training
ii) massed or distributed practice
iii) more emphasis on speed and accuracy
iv) whole or part teaching

Question 10

What does the autonomous phase include?

Answer 10

-the skill is automatic /habitual
-the skill is performed without stress
-reaction time is now much shorter
-little conscious control is needed
-the skill consistent /fluent/ aesthetically pleasing
-the skill can be adapted to meet a variety of situations
-the information is easily processed
-the performers concentration now moves on environmental cues, such as;
i) the tactics and strategies involved in the game
ii) self correction/ self evaluation
iii) mental rehearsal to combat arousal
iv) stress management techniques
v) personal motivation