stages of learning

Question 1

What are the stages/phases of learning (least advanced to most advanced)?

Answer 1

• cognitive
• associative
• autonomous

Question 2

What are characteristics of someone in the cognitive learning stage?

Answer 2

• A mental image/ picture is formed
• Mental rehearsal helps the learner to understand what needs to be done
• full concentration (conscious thought) needed to perform each sub routine
• The learner is unable to use intrinsic/kinaesthetic feedback
• Extrinsic feedback required in the form of verbal and visual cues, needs to be clear,simple and limited
• Movement lacks fluency/ is jerky
• lots of gross errors
• cannot pay attention to outside stimuli

Question 3

What are characteristics of someone in the associative learning stage?

Answer 3

• Matching/associating the mental model with performance
• The motor programme begins to form and fewer mistakes are made
• Practice or rehearsal occurs
• Less reliance on extrinsic feedback; intrinsic/ kinaesthetic feedback can now be used
• Increased fluency/rhythm /efficiency
• Some never move beyond this stage; it is the longest phase
• Begins to pay attention to concurrent feedback (during performance).
• Begin to use more complex & detailed cues.
• Learner performs & practises the skill under a variety of situations.
• A element of competition may be introduced.

Question 4

What are characteristics of someone in the autonomous stage?

Answer 4

• An accurate, grooved or over learned motor programme is fully formed
• Stored in long term memory
• Movement is fluent, efficient, accurate, performed without stress and with few mistakes
• Little conscious control needed to perform skill
• habitual
• Performer can reference intrinsic/kinaesthetic feedback giving spare attention capacity
• Performer may revisit the associative stage to finely tune the skill
• Skill improvement continues but less rapid.
• Performer analysing own performer & adjust own actions.
• Performer can pay attention to increasingly complex tactical & situational consideration
• Progress results from attention to fine details.
• Skill improvement from self-evaluation, mental practice & self motivation