Skill Acquisition: Types and Methods of Practice
Skill Acquisition: Types and Methods of Practice
Skill Acquisition
Cognitive Stage
- This is the first stage where the learner begins to understand what the skill involves.
- The learner will make many mistakes during this stage as they start to understand how to perform the skill.
- Instruction, demonstration, and practice with feedback are invaluable at this stage.
Associative Stage
- The performer in the associative stage focuses on refining their skill.
- There’s a reduction in errors and increased consistency.
- The performer develops the ability to identify their own mistakes and correct them.
Autonomous Stage
- The performer has become so experienced and practiced that they can execute the skill automatically.
- The skill has become a habitual process, allowing the performer to focus on other aspects of the game.
- It may take years for a performer to reach this stage and not all performers do.
Types and Methods of Practice
Massed Practice
- Involves continuous practice of a skill, with no breaks or diversion to other tasks.
- Most effective for simple skills and athletic conditioning.
- However, it can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation due to its intense nature.
Distributed Practice
- Involves breaking practice up into a series of shorter sessions, separated by breaks for rest or other activities.
- Breaks can be used for mental rehearsal, feedback, and discussion, as well as physical recovery.
- More effective than massed practice for complex skills and long-duration tasks, as it reduces fatigue and aids concentration.
Fixed Practice
- Requires repetition of the same skill in the same context, often referred to as ‘drill’ practice.
- Ideal for closed skills, where situation doesn’t frequently change.
- Helps to build up muscle memory by reinforcing a specific motor pattern.
Variable Practice
- Involves rehearsal of a range of skills in a variety of contexts.
- Useful for open skills, as it simulates the unpredictable nature of the environment in which they are usually performed.
- Can help to develop decision-making ability and adaptability.
Mental Practice
- Involves the performer visualising themselves performing the skill successfully.
- Can improve confidence and motivation, and help the performer to understand the skill better.
- Particularly effective when combined with physical practice.