This essay combines relevant literature about conveying information and delivery of feedback in order to improve a participant’s skill in performing a pole invert. The recipients of this coaching session are novice pole dancers, taught in groups of 3 in hourly sessions twice a week for 4 weeks. The pole invert is a complex form skill and requires a number of different tasks in order to complete the skill. Using observational learning, focus of attention, and feedback theories the performers will be able to improve this skill.
Observational learning is a type of learning associated with the work and social learning theory of psychologist Albert Bandura. (Bandura, 1977) Information concerning the movement pattern and …show more content…
(Shea, 2000) Shea tested physical practice vs observational learning, the outcome of which was the retention was the same for those who had OL & PP and PP only. However when it came to transferring the skills learned those who had observed where significantly higher in replicating the skill. This supports complex skills such as a Pole invert which can take a long period to get right. It can offer a visual template aiding the performer further than just verbal instructions, practice or feedback. During a complex task attention demands are higher and Observational learning allows the learner to engage in activities which were not possible during physical practice as supported by the Bachman ladder Task. Observational learning can also have an effect on psychological responses including the motivation to change or perform a behaviour, coping with fear or anxiety and cognitions such as self-efficacy and self-confidence. (Wesch, 2007) Although observation can improve learning skills it does not allow the performer to recall specific task characteristics (Recall Schema) (Schmidt, 1975). The Recall schema occurs before a movement is initiated and includes thoughts such as starting point, certain aspects of the motor action (how fast, how high), results of the action (success or failure) and the …show more content…
A study by Ford 2005 supported the De-automisation of skills hypothesis using 10 skilled and 10 less skilled soccer players. The outcome was that an internal focus of attention (Arm and foot) interfered with performance for the expert but not for the less skilled players (Foot Only). Due to novice performances working in the cognitive stage and performance not yet being automatic it cannot be disrupted through conscious control. Therefore this allows the performers to follow a step by step process of the skill. (Beilock,