Stages of learning

Question 1

Cognitive learning

Answer 1

• Learner trying to create mental image of skill
• Demonstrations are vital
• Too much information should not be given
• Guidance to be focused on important cues (selective attention)
• Trial and error practice of skill
• Reinforce success with positive feedback
• Inconsistent performance, lack of coordination and flow and be full of errors
• Specific feedback needed to correct errors

Question 2

Associative learning

Answer 2

• Practice stage
• Learner attends to relevant cues
• Fewer and smaller errors
• Big improvement in performance
• Motor-programmes developed
• Learner develops intrinsic/ kinaesthetic feedbackto detect own errors
• Detailed verbal feedback is given

Question 3

Autonomous learning

Answer 3

• Little concious thought
• Concentrate on other factors
• Motor programmes established and stored in long term memory
• Less need for extrinsic feedback
• If practice is not maintained, learner can drop back to associative stage