Stages of Learning

Question 1

What are the stages of learning?

Answer 1

• Cognitive stage
• Associative stage
• Autonomous stage

Question 2

What is the cognitive stage?

Answer 2

The cognitive stage is the intial phase in the learning of a motor skill where the emphasis is on conscious understanding of the task requirements.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of the cognitive stage of learning?

Answer 3

• can show rapid improvement
• have poor error detection and corrections
• inconsistent performance
• benefits from direct coaching
• time needed to understand the skill

Question 4

What do learners in the cognitive stage need to improve skills?

Answer 4

• only a few simple instructions at a time to focus on
• demonstrations
• break complex skills down into smaller parts
• focus on mastering the fundamental movement skills
• provide positive and constructive feedback
• lots of practice (blocked practice / closed skills)

Question 5

What is the associative stage?

Answer 5

The associative stage is the second phase in the learning of a new skill in which movement patterns become more refined and consistent through practice

Question 6

What are the characteristics of the associative stage of learning?

Answer 6

• Improved error detection and correction
• Refining the movement pattern
• Ability to have lots of purposeful practice
• Adjustment in skill performance
• Improvement is more gradual
• Attention can begin to focus on external stimuli

Question 7

What do learners in the associative stage need to improve skills?

Answer 7

• Regular feedback to refine skills and reduce the chance of poor habits developing
• Opportunities to practise with increased variability (more random and open)

Question 8

What is the autonomous stage?

Answer 8

The autonomous stage is the final phase in the learning of a new skill in which the control of movement appears to be automatic and free of the need for constant attention.

Question 9

What are the characteristics of the autonomous stage of learning?

Answer 9

• Well-developed error detection and correction
• High level of skill performance
• Few errors, consistent performance
• Automatic performance
• Attention higher-order processes
• Small performance improvement
• Associating environmental cues and performance

Question 10

What do learners in the autonomous stage need to improve skills?

Answer 10

• Game like conditions: practice under game-like conditions to focus on tactics, shot-selection
• Variability: practice opportunities with a high level of variability, open environment
• problem based learning: practice that challenged each athlete to use higher order thinking via a range of problem based learning scenarios