The Phases of Learning

Question 1

Can you identify at least 3 features of the COGNITIVE phase of learning ?

Answer 1

This is the initial phase of learning which:

• where beginners are
• where the performer watches demonstration
• involves the first attempt
• has many mistakes
• where the performer creates a mental picture
• its the shortest phase

Question 2

Can you identify at least 3 features of the ASSOCIATIVE phase of learning ?

Answer 2

• the longest phase
• most performers never leave the phases
• trial and error
• the performer links skills together
• sometimes called the ‘practice’ phase
• motor programmes develop and start to become refined

Question 3

Can you identify at least 3 features of the Autonomous phase of learning ?

Answer 3

• the ‘expert’ phase
• the skill becomes automatic
• the perfomer can focus on peripheral matters, timing, accuracy etc
• tactical awareness is possible at attention is not focussed on skill production
• the skill becomes ‘overlearned’ or ‘grooved’
• the performer can ‘return’ to the associative phases if they don’t maintain practice