Stages of Learning + Learning Curves Flashcards
define learning
a more or less permanent change in behaviour that is reflected in a change of performance
define performance
a demonstration of the solving of a problem or task at a given moment in time; a temporary phenomenon
what is the link between learning and performance?
as learning takes place, we usually see a gradual increase / improvement in performance
list the three stages of learning
- cognitive
- associative
- autonomous
the cognitive stage can also be known as…
the beginner stage
define the cognitive stage of learning
the initial stage of learning a new skill, where the learner is typically unfamiliar with the task
list some key characteristics of the cognitive stage (4)
- lots of trial and error
- often reliant on verbal instructions and visual demonstrations
- however, have limited attention capacity
- positive reinforcement is needed
if an individual is in the cognitive stage of learning, how does that have an impact on their performance?
performance is inconsistent
the associative stage can also be known as…
the intermediate stage
define the associative stage of learning
the learner starts to recognise and correct errors, refining the skill to become more consistent
list some key characteristics of the associative stage (3)
- less cognitive effort is required
- can start to rely on intrinsic feedback (kinaesthetic feel)
- focus is on fine tuning technique
the autonomous stage can also be known as…
the expert / advanced stage
define the autonomous stage of learning
the skill becomes largely automatic, and can be performed with minimal conscious effort
list some key characteristics of the autonomous stage (3)
- spare attention capacity
- can make quick adjustments and adapt to situations
- focus is on strategy and decision making
if an individual is in the autonomous stage of learning, how will their performance differ from that of someone in the cognitive stage?
their performance will be a lot more smooth, fluid and consistent
learning tends not to be ___________ and usually results in performances that have _________ and ________
linear
peaks
dips
as we begin to develop and refine skills, progression will occur in different ways and on different time frames
this can be represented by _____________ ___________
learning curves
list the four types of learning curve
- linear learning curve
- positively accelerated learning curve
- negatively accelerated learning curve
- s-shaped (sigmoid) learning curve
describe and explain the shape of a linear learning curve (2)
- rate of improvement is directly proportional to the number of practice sessions
- happens when a skill is simple or the performer is motivated
which stage(s) of learning can a linear learning curve be applied to?
associative
autonomous
describe and explain the shape of a positively accelerated learning curve (2)
- slow progress at first, followed by rapid improvement
- when a skill is complex and difficult at first but, once understood, progress speeds up
which stage(s) of learning can a positively accelerated learning curve be applied to?
cognitive learning
describe and explain the shape of a negatively accelerated learning curve (2)
- rapid progress early on, then plateaus as learning slows down
- common when learning a skill that is easy to grasp initially but becomes harder to perfect
which stage(s) of learning can a negatively accelerated learning curve be applied to?
autonomous
explain the shape of an s-shaped learning curve (2)
- combination of slow learning initially, followed by rapid improvement, then a plateau
- a performer struggling at first, then having a breakthrough, before levelling off
