Theories of Learning | AQA A-Level Physical Education (7582)
Theories of Learning
- 62 questions
- 4 subtopics
- Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport
- Paper 1
Theories of Learning is examined in Paper 1, Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport.
It covers Fitts and Posner's stages of learning, learning plateaus and performance curves, insight learning and operant conditioning and observational learning and social development theory.
Sample questions from Theories of Learning
Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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Fitts and Posner's stages of learning
Describe a performer in the autonomous stage of learning.
Show the answer
The autonomous performer carries out the skill automatically, with little conscious thought. Movements are fluent, consistent and efficient. -
Fitts and Posner's stages of learning
Which feedback does an autonomous performer rely on most?
Show the answer
An autonomous performer relies mainly on intrinsic feedback and can correct their own errors. Detailed negative feedback on technique helps fine-tune the skill. -
Learning plateaus and performance curves
What does a linear performance curve show?
Show the answer
A linear curve shows performance improving at a steady rate. Each trial brings a similar amount of improvement. -
Learning plateaus and performance curves
How can goal setting help a performer out of a plateau?
Show the answer
Short-term, achievable goals give the performer a fresh target to aim for. Each goal met restores motivation and focus. -
Insight learning and operant conditioning
Why is insight learning motivating for performers?
Show the answer
The learner solves the problem personally and understands why the solution works. Personal understanding makes the learning more permanent and more satisfying. -
Insight learning and operant conditioning
Define negative reinforcement.
Show the answer
Negative reinforcement is removing an unpleasant stimulus once the correct response occurs. A coach who stops criticising when a player tracks back is an example. -
Observational learning and social development theory
How does motivation affect whether a learner copies a model?
Show the answer
The learner must want to copy the demonstration. Praise, rewards and seeing the model rewarded all strengthen the drive to imitate. -
Observational learning and social development theory
Who is the more knowledgeable other?
Show the answer
The more knowledgeable other is anyone with greater understanding of a skill than the learner. A coach, a teammate or an older sibling can fill this role.
The 4 subtopics
One subtopic is one session. Work down the list.
| Subtopic | What it covers | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Fitts and Posner's stages of learning | The cognitive, associative and autonomous stages, trial and error, freeing attention, and the feedback suited to each stage. | 15 |
| Learning plateaus and performance curves | Learning plateaus, linear, positively and negatively accelerated performance curves, the causes of a plateau and strategies to overcome one. | 15 |
| Insight learning and operant conditioning | Insight learning and Gestalt psychology, operant conditioning and the stimulus–response bond, positive and negative reinforcement, punishment, and an evaluation of each. | 16 |
| Observational learning and social development theory | Bandura's observational learning and its processes, effective demonstrators, constructivism, Vygotsky's social development theory, the more knowledgeable other, the zone of proximal development and scaffolding. | 16 |
How the guide is worked
Answering a question from memory stores it far better than reading the answer again. The guide runs that as a fixed procedure on one subtopic at a time, about twenty minutes a session.
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Step 1 · Closed book
Cover the answers. Work through one subtopic and write down what you can. Leave blanks where you have nothing.
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Step 2 · Open book
Go back to the top. Read each printed answer and write it out in full, including the ones you had right.
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Step 3 · Closed book again
Same questions, same order, from memory. The gap between pass one and pass three is the session result.
Read the full method, the return schedule and the research behind it.
Nearby topics
AQA A-Level Physical Education Active Recall Guide
Every topic, not just this one. 2,084 questions with their answers.