chapter 2.2 practice questions

Question 1

Define the term ‘learning plateau

Answer 1

A learning plateau occurs when a learner stops progressing/no improvement in performance is
evident (1)

Question 2

State two potential causes of a learning plateau

Answer 2

• Performer not physically ready/task too difficult/goals too high (1)
• Performer lacks ability to develop/modify current skills/reached potential (1)
• Fatigue/lack of fitness (1)
• Still developing mental model of more complex skill (1)
• Boredom/tedium/lack of motivation/extrinsic rewards/goals not challenging enough (1)
• Poor/low quality coaching/teaching/earlier faulty learning (1)

Question 3

Evaluate the effectiveness of the different methods of guidance that could be used
when teaching a swimmer who is in the cognitive stage of learning.(8 marks )

Answer 3

Methods of guidance
* Visual: Demonstrations.
* Verbal: Instructions.
* Mechanical: The use of aids to support performance.
* Manual: The coach using their own body to support/guide performance.
Characteristics of cognitive learners
* First stage of learning/beginner where they have no clear mental image of the skill and make
many mistakes.
AO2 Application of methods of guidance to swimming
* Visual: Demonstration of correct swimming stroke.
* Verbal: Explanation of how and when to breathe.
* Mechanical: Use of a float to allow the performer to focus on kick action.
* Manual: Holding the learner flat in the water so they can feel the correct position they should
be in.
AO3 Evaluating effectiveness of methods of guidance for a cognitive swimmer
* All types of guidance would play some role in the development of a swimmer who is in the
cognitive stages of learning.
* Mechanical and manual guidance are vitally important in early stages to ensure safety.
* Mechanical and manual guidance also decrease the cognitive load/allow the swimmer to focus on
parts of the skill as opposed to the whole eg using a float allows a focus on kicking action.
* Over reliance on mechanical and manual guidance will limit the swimmer’s ability to develop a
kinaesthetic feel for the whole skill. Can lead to loss of confidence for learners when aid is
removed.
* Overreliance on mechanical and manual guidance can lead to loss of motivation when using an
aid as learner thinks not being challenged/completing skill independently.
* Visual guidance will be important to provide correct mental image. This is conditional on the
demonstration being accurate.
* Swimmers needs to see all parts of the stroke meaning demonstration will be required both in and
out of the water.
* Verbal guidance may be the least important in this early stage as the swimmer will have limited
knowledge of the skill/may not understand.
* Where verbal guidance is given it must be clear and use language which is accessible to the
swimmer in the cognitive stage of learning.