We previously published part 1 of this blog, looking at key theories and strategies in the science of learning, and how to apply them in sport to help athletes learn better – read it here.
But there is a lot more to learning effectively, so here are some other strategies that can help coaches and athletes teach and learn more effectively…
Asking lots of questions is one of the most powerful ways for a teacher to enhance learning and encourage them to explore the topic in more depth. It is a way of assessing learners and checking for understanding.
But that doesn’t mean just any question. In learning, we are primarily looking at three forms of questions:
Using these questions will help to increase curiosity and attention, highlight misconceptions and help learners make connections between new and existing knowledge.
How do you use this in sport?
Setting up practices that allow athletes to apply what they’ve learnt in different contexts will help consolidate their learning. This takes the players beyond surface-level understanding by getting them to actually think about how to use a new skill or strategy in real terms. It prompts them to think harder.
How do you use this in sport?
Dual coding is the process of using both words and pictures together in learning material. Using two information formats gives athletes two different ways of retaining that information for when they need it later on.
It is related to avoiding cognitive overload and finding the best ways to present information, check out our coaches guide.
Having two representations of the same information cements it deeper into our long-term memory. One study found that people remembered twice as much information if it was presented with both words and pictures, compared to just with words.
How do you use this in sport?
If coaches can educate themselves about the way they can help their athletes learn effectively, sessions will have a greater impact on the athletes’ practice, with new skills and drills being learnt quicker and to a much better standard, allowing for the athletes to progress in their sport.