The three main stages of learning
The age and experience of a person are contributing factors to learning a new skill. The process of learning depends on the individual, and the coach will need to match the guidance and practice to the stage of learning.
The stages of learning are placed along a continuum from beginner to expert. They can be classified into three stages of learning.
Each one of the stages demonstrates different characteristics when they perform.
Cognitive
The performer is inconsistent and makes many mistakes. The performer requires support from the coach to show and tell them what they need to do. Demonstration and repetition is key to development at this stage. The coach will need to reinforce correct performance through positive feedback. The most appropriate practice would be whole-part-whole, giving the performer a sense of context before the skills are broken down.
Associative
The performer begins to understand the requirements of the skills and becomes more consistent. Within their performance there are fewer mistakes and the performer can concentrate for longer. More complex information can be processed and the performer can use internal feedback to further improve. Part practice would support this stage as it supports motivation and focuses on specific skills.
Autonomous
The performer is consistent and effective, and they perform skills with consistency and accuracy without any effort. They are able to concentrate on complex tasks and information and able to adapt their performance. They decide on the pace of the skill and activity and nearly always make the correct decisions. The coach can give detailed feedback and use complex video analysis to refine performance. Whole part tends to be used at this stage as it requires high attention to skills that cannot be broken down.