Skill Acquisition and Motor Learning

Skill Acquisition and Motor Learning

Skill Acquisition Concepts

  • Skill Acquisition refers to the process of gaining a skill through learning or practice.
  • Differentiates between cognitive skills (thought processes or intellectual abilities) and motor skills (related to physical ability and movement).
  • Motor Learning is a form of skill acquisition involving changes in motor behaviour from practice or experience.

Stages of Learning

  • Learning generally progresses through three stages: Cognitive, Associative, and Autonomous.
  • The Cognitive Stage involves understanding what needs to be done.
  • The Associative Stage is marked by refinement through practice.
  • The Autonomous Stage is marked by the skill becoming automatic or habitual.

Types of Skills

  • Skills can be classified as open or closed. Open skills are those performed in a varying environment whereas closed skills are those performed in a fixed environment.
  • Skills can also be self-paced (initiated by the performer) or externally paced (timing determined by external factors).

Motor Skill Continuums

  • Gross to Fine Continuum: Gross skills involve large muscle movements, while fine skills involve very small movements and high levels of precision.
  • Discrete to Continuous Continuum: Discrete skills have a clear beginning and end, whereas continuous skills have no obvious start or finish point.

Factors Influencing Skill Acquisition

  • Individual Differences: Personal characteristics that may affect the speed and extent of skill acquisition.
  • Nature of the Skill: Some skills may be more complex and take longer to master than others.
  • Quality of Instruction: The quality and appropriacy of instruction can also impact how quickly and effectively a skill is learned.

Memory

  • Short-term sensory store (STSS): Where immediate information is held but quickly lost unless attention is paid to it.
  • Short-term memory (STM): Active memory where information is processed and either discarded or transferred to long-term memory.
  • Long-term memory (LTM): Where information is stored indefinitely and can be retrieved when necessary.

Remember that skill acquisition is essential in physical education and sport, and understanding its complexities can help in the learning and coaching process.