Stages of Learning

Question 1

Who developed the stages of learning?

Answer 1

Fitts and Posner
> Cognitive - for beginners or novice
> Associative - for intermediates or practice
> Autonomous - for advanced or fine tuning

Question 2

What is the Cognitive Stage?

Answer 2

This is the 1st or initial stage of learning
Leaner is trying to create a mental picture of the skill.
> demonstrations and verbal explanations are very important as learner tries to get a mental picture
> movement lacks fluency or rhythm or coordination
> learners use trial and error. should receive feedback when successful
> unable to use intrinsic feedback / only extrinsic feedback effective
> needs thought or concentration on technique/subroutines

Question 3

What is the Associative Stage?

Answer 3

This is the 2nd phase of learning
This tends to be a longer phase that the cognitive phase.
> motor programmes begin to formed / fundamentals or basics of skills learned
> practice or rehearsal occurs
> movement becomes less jerky / increased fluency or rhythm
> learner begins to eliminate mistakes and errors
> some learners never leave this stage
> learner begins to use internal / kinaesthetic feedback and detect some of their errors
> trial and error attempt increases as the performers become more consistent and effective in replicating skills

Question 4

What is the Autonomous Stage?

Answer 4

This is the final stage of learning.
> able to use intrinsic or kinaesthetic feedback / less need for external feedback
> little thought or conscious control will be needed, the movements are automatic. Can focus of tactics / skills can be adapted.
> fluent or rhythmic or efficient
> may return to associative phase if practice isn’t continued
> skills are accurate, well grooved and consistent

Question 5

How does a coach support a Cognitive leaner?

Answer 5

1. positive reinforcement/feedback of successful movements using KofP
2. allow lots of practice time, through trial and error approaches
3. allow leaners to learn from mistakes
4. help learners to understand what went wrong during any unsuccessful movements
5. demonstrations / visual guidance / help build a mental picture
6. provide manual / mechanical guidance to reduce fear

Question 6

How does a coach support an Associative learner?

Answer 6

1. Performer is able to ignore distractions
2. little conscious thought is needed / habitual / fluent
3. performer can concentrate on tactics / strategies or has spare attentional capacity
4. performer is bale to use kinaesthesis / internal feedback
5. performer will have quick reactions as motor programmes will be properly formed.
6. confident performance