Modelling coaching practice: the role of instruction and demonstration

In this paper, we review the empirical literature pertaining to the effectiveness of instructions and movement demonstrations. Initially, we examine existing theories and approaches that try to explain the process of skill acquisition so as to determine implications of these theories for instructional provision. This is followed by an evaluation of studies in the motor learning literature in which pre-practice information has been manipulated. Explicit learning strategies are contrasted to implicit and discovery learning methods, and current explanations for instructional effects are discussed in terms of such mechanisms as effects-related attentional focus and movement variability. In the final sections, we review data from our own laboratory where pre-practice information has been manipulated during the learning of a novel bimanual coordination task. From these studies, proposals are made to try and explain how pre-practice information works to effect the process of skill acquisition, including the selection and execution of a response and the processing of associated feedback. An important role is given to the existing skills of the learner in understanding the instructions and performing the desired movement. Finally, we suggest some practical implications of this empirical evidence for the teaching of motor skills.     

Effect of Information Load and Time on Observational Learning

We examined whether altering the amount of and moment when visual information is presented affected observational learning for participants practicing a bowling skill. On Day 1, four groups practiced a cricket bowling action. Three groups viewed a full-body point-light model, the model's bowling arm, or between-limb coordination of the model's left and right wrists only. Following retention tests on Day 2, all participants practiced after viewing a full-body display. Retention was again tested on Day 3. Bowling accuracy improved in all four practice groups. Kinematics of the bowling arm became more like the model for the full-body and intralimb groups only. All groups improved on measures of interlimb coordination. Visual search data indicated that participants mainly focused their gaze on the model's bowling arm. These data lead to the suggestion that viewing “end-effector” information (i.e., information pertaining to the bowling arm) is an important perceptual constraint early in observational learning. Implicit manipulations designed to increase attention to other sources of information did not facilitate the learning process.     

Technologies on the Horizon: Teachers Respond to the Horizon Report

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers’ beliefs regarding the integration of technologies from the 2011 K-12 edition of the Horizon Report into their local, public school contexts. Teachers read the Horizon Report and then participated in an asynchronous, threaded discussion focusing on technologies they would like to see integrated into their classrooms and technologies they do not see possible in the near term. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the discussion. Findings include the teachers’ desire to see mobile technologies integrated into their classrooms, and their belief that there are significant barriers to game-based learning.     

Evaluation of low-cost, objective instruments for assessing physical activity in 10-11-year-old children

This study compared step counts detected by four, low-cost, objective, physical-activity-assessment instruments and evaluated their ability to detect moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to the ActiGraph accelerometer (AG). Thirty-six 10-11-year-old children wore the NL-1000, Yamax Digiwalker SW 200, Omron HJ-151, and Walk4Life MVP concurrently with the AG during school hours on a single day. AG MVPA was derived from activity count data using previously validated cut points. Two of the evaluated instruments provided similar group mean MVPA and step counts compared to AG (dependent on cut point). Low-cost instruments may be useful for measurement of both MVPA and steps in children's physical activity interventions and program evaluation.     

Preoccupied and Avoidant Coping during Middle Childhood

Prior research on attachment to caregivers during middle childhood has failed to include assessments of the divergent coping styles that insecure attachment can take. In this study, self-report scales were developed to assess children's preoccupied coping (strong need for mother during stress but inability to be soothed by her) and avoidant coping (denial of need for mother and avoidance of her during stress). The scales were administered to 229 boys and girls in the third through seventh grades (mean age 11.3 years) and were associated in theoretically meaningful ways with peers' reports of the children's adjustment at school. The advantage of including assessments of coping style in studies of attachment-adjustment relations in middle childhood is noted.