Cognitive TheoryInsight Learning

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Cognitive Theory/Insight Learning
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Cognitive Theory/Insight Learning

• Learning can be better explained if we look at
  the parts which make up the whole, rather than
  the parts separately outside the whole experience
• Individual experience central to the process of
  learning, not just reacting to a stimulus
• Understanding the relationship between the many
  stimuli within the environment at one time, and
  link to previous and future stimuli, is essential
• Relationships between stimuli and responses not
  learned in isolation, but part of a learners
  whole awareness.
• E.g, triple jump contradicts behaviourists who
  see learning happening slowly and steadily.
  Drive Reduction Theory sees motivation decreasing
  as learning occurs

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Cognitive Theory/Insight Learning

• Main early supporters Gestaltists
• Believed that the whole is greater than the sum
  of its parts
• When learning, a beginner will continually
  organise and reorganise mentally in relation to
  previous experiences figure it out
• Insight learning learner suddenly discovers
  the relationship between the many stimuli they
  have been faced with (e.g., suddenly serve
  correctly)
• Trial and error learning plays no part not
  learning a set of specific conditioned
  associations, but a real understanding of the
  relationship between the process and means of
  achieving the end result

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Implications for a coach

• E.g., Hockey defender last man/woman
• Better in the long run than being told what to do
  or being punished
• Coach needs in-depth understanding
• Variety of experiences essential to use knowledge
• Initially very little progress, then progress
  very quickly
• Continue setting new questions, goals and targets
• Insight learning can be helped by using
  hints/cues
• Use of transfer of skills?