!!! STAGES OF LEARNING

Question 1

What are the stages of learning?

Answer 1

1. Cognitive phase
2. Associative phase
3. Autonomous phase

Question 2

What is the cognitive phase of learning?

Answer 2

1. The learner is trying to create a mental picture of skill
2. Demonstrations are vital
3. Practise the skill with trial and error
4. Reinforce success with positive feedback
5. Performances will be inconsistent, lack of coordination and flow and be full of errors
6. Specific feedback is needed to correct errors

E.g. tennis coach demonstrates a serve to beginner badminton player so they can develop mental image.

Question 3

What is the associative phase of learning?

Answer 3

1. This is the practise phase of learning
2. The learner attends to relevant cues
3. Errors are fewer and smaller
4. Big improvements are made in performance
5. Motor programmes develop so sub-routines become more coordinated so skill is smoother
6. Learner develops the ability to use kinaesthetic feedback to detect own errors.

E.g. a badminton player is becoming more consistent with serve, can detect errors and make adjustments without teachers help

Question 4

What is the autonomous phase of learning?

Answer 4

1. Learner can execute skill with little conscious thought
2. They can concentrate more on other factors
3. Motor programmes are established and stored in long-term memory and put into action
4. There is less need for external feedback
5. If practise in not maintained, learner may drop back into the associative phase

E.g. a tennis player can focus on where to place the ball rather than grip, stance and ball toss.