The Stages Of Learning And Forms Of Feedback

Question 1

What are the 3 stages of learning ?

Answer 1

Cognitive stage
Associative stage
Autonomous stage

Question 2

What is the first stage of learning ?

Answer 2

The cognitive stage

Question 3

What is the cognitive stage ?

Answer 3

The first stage of learning used by a novice. Understanding and sub-routines are explored by trial and error. An example of this is a novice gold performer working out the stages of a golf swing

Question 4

What type of feedback should a coach use for a performer in the cognitive stage ?

Answer 4

The coach should use extrinsic feedback as the player isn’t developed enough to make feedback on himself (intrinsic)

Question 5

What is the second stage of learning ?

Answer 5

The associative stage

Question 6

What is the associative stage of learning ?

Answer 6

The second stage of learning as motor programmes are developed and performance is smoother. This stage is longer than the cognitive stage and to make progress from this stage the performer needs to practise, then practise more

Question 7

What type of feedback should you use for someone in the associative stage ?

Answer 7

A coach should use extrinsic feedback as the player may not yet be experienced enough to feedback on himself

Question 8

What is the third stage of learning ?

Answer 8

The autonomous stage

Question 9

What is the autonomous stage of learning ?

Answer 9

The final stage of learning used by an expert when movement is detailed and specific. This is when the action is fluent, efficient and automatically undertaken. You can now do this movement without thinking

Question 10

What are characteristics of the cognitive stage ?

Answer 10

No motor programmes, un-coordinated movement

Question 11

What are the characteristics of the associative stage ?

Answer 11

Motor programmes forming, smoother movements

Question 12

What are the characteristics of the autonomous stage ?

Answer 12

Motor programmes formed, automatic control, detail

Question 13

What is a learning plateau ?

Answer 13

A period of no improvement in performance

Question 14

What can cause a learning plateau ?
MBCLTF

Answer 14

Lack of motivation - Lack of incentives or extrinsic reward may cause the performer to lose drive and energy for the task
Boredom - The repetitive nature of a closed skill may cause boredom
Coaching - The coach may use incorrect instructions or use incorrect practise methods so that the skill isn’t done correctly
Limit of ability - The performer may not be improving because they’ve reached the limit of their ability
Target set to low - They can’t improve because the limit of the task doesn’t allow them to
Fatigue - Continuous action over an extended period of time may cause a learning plateau

Question 15

What solution can a coach use to help performer overcome learning plateau ?

Answer 15

The task could be extended so that a new challenge to test the performer
The player could find a new coach to raise performance levels
Coach could offer more praise or extrinsic motivation
A rest could be given to avoid fatigue
More variety added to the task so boredom is avoided
The player could receive extrinsic feedback to improve performance and motivation

Question 16

What is visual guidance ?

Answer 16

Guidance that can be seen e.g. a demonstration

Question 17

What are the advantages and disadvantages of visual guidance ?

Answer 17

Advantages:
Can be used to highlight a specific weakness
Can show what the skill should look like
Creates a mental image for the performer
(Almost always used in conjunction with verbal guidance)

Disadvantages:
Demonstration must be completely accurate otherwise may be copied incorrectly
If too much information is given performer may become confused

Question 18

What is verbal guidance ?

Answer 18

Giving an explanation as to how a skill is done

Question 19

What are the advantages and disadvantages of verbal guidance ?

Answer 19

Advantages:
Helps build a mental image of skill
Can be used to give detailed or technical advice mid game

Disadvantages:
If too much information is given then performer may become confused
The performer may lose concentration is the explanation isn’t brief, relevant and meaningful
The language used by the coach should be recognisable to a beginner, a coach shouldn’t use technical terms only known by an expert

Question 20

What is manual guidance ?

Answer 20

Using physical support such as holding a gymnast on a vault or during a headstand

Question 21

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using manual guidance ?

Answer 21

Advantages:
Can help to eliminate danger e.g. prevent a fall
Helps to build confidence of the performer who might not be able to gain a feel for the whole task without help
Fear and anxiety can be reduced

Disadvantages:
Performer may begin to depend on physical support too much to the extent they can’t do the skill without it

Question 22

What is mechanical guidance ?

Answer 22

Using artificial aid such as ropes to help learn a skill

Question 23

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using mechanical guidance ?

Answer 23

Advantages:
Can build confidence upon succesful completion of task - gives the performer a sense they can do it
Helps to eliminate danger
Gives an early feel for the whole skill
Can be used with disabled athletes or those recovering from injury

Disadvantages:
Performer can become over-reliant on guidance
Performer may lose motivation if they feel they can’t do the skill without mechanical guidance