Part Three

Variables Related to the Teaching/coaching Process: Use qualitative techniques to code variables related to the teaching process which cannot be captured by time. For example, variables like knowledge of subject matter or appropriate technique usage can be permanently recorded.

The teaching/coaching-learning process and the instructor's teaching behavior can be categorized into three main dimensions:

1. Actions -- Demonstration & Explanation

2. Interactions -- Direction, Magnitude, & Form

3. Reactions

1. Actions: By actions we refer to instructor behavior in presenting the subject matter to be learned (demonstration and explanation) and student involvement in the process. The observational focus is on instructor behavior.

Demonstrations-- Instructor's practical content knowledge and motor ability to demonstrate a skill correctly and effectively. The demonstration should be performed in the same manner and organization format that is required in practice. During demonstration, the critical subcomponents of the skill should be verbally emphasized. This verbal explanation should short and simple. The instructor should understand the importance of student demonstrations and make good use of it in the appropriate frequencies and at the right time (see Effective Skill Demonstration Scale).

Explanations-- The verbal explanation should emphasize the sub-components of the skill. The instructor must recognize that the student's ability for information processing in a given time is limited. Therefore, the verbal explanations, including managerial related information, must be short and kept simple.

2. Interactions: Interactions are instructor actions to maintain appropriate child behavior and a positive atmosphere on the practice field and during games. Behavioral interactions can be defined as instructors' reactions to the appropriate and/or inappropriate behavior of her or his players. The interactions can be categorized into two broad categories: Positive and negative. They can be general like "good" or "excellent" or specific, such as: "Thanks for paying attention, John." Players' first names should be used during regular communications. It should provide a personal touch to the interactions in general and to the practice field atmosphere in particular.

3. Reactions: Reactions or feedback means providing information on a particular aspect of player behavior in order to modify the next response. One of the most significant functions of instructor behavior during activity is to provide feedback to the learners on their performance. Feedback is a necessary mechanism for learning, especially when teaching young children.

* Adapted and in part reproduced from Harrari, I. (1993). The Wingate supervision observation format. Unpublished Manuscript; also personal communications with Dr. Israel Harrari July, 1997.

Modeling: Teaching by Example

How and why modeling works?

How information is processed from watching a model?

First get the learner’s attention, then facilitate the retention of new concepts and or new skills. Next, the learner is engaged in motor reproduction of the newly retained skills. Motivation is now introduced to this process in order to reinforce proper motor reproduction. Motivational techniques may also be used at the initial stage of getting the child’s attention, e.g., "Today I’ll show you some cool moves that when practiced and mastered will turn you into a very effective defender."

Focus Points of Effective Modeling

ATTENTION

Focus: Attend to relevant task cues

1. Remove distractions--make the self the center of attention

2. Demonstrator characteristics

3. Verbal "show & tell" model

4. Label task parts

5. Limit number of focus points

RETENTION

Focus: Actively rehearse visual information

1. Prompt children to rehearse

2. Verbal self-instruction (think aloud)

3. Repeated demonstrations (spacing)

4. Keep it short and simple (KISS)

5. Allow rehearsal time between practice trials

6. Use grouping & recording techniques

MOTOR REPRODUCTION

Focus: The child must be able to coordinate and time the reproduction of the modeled actions

1. The demonstration should be one that the child can put into a memorable & meaningful code.

2. The skill should be one that the child can perform successfully with practice.

3. Ensure familiarity with component skill parts

4. Use whole-part-whole for complex skills

5. Consider the angle of the demonstration

6. Provide many demonstrations and ample opportunity for practice

Two points to remember about providing effective demonstrations:

1. Good demonstrations require some thought & planning.

2. Demonstrations can do as much harm as good.

Principles of effective skill demonstrations

Maximize the attention of young athletes

Continuously reinforce the focus points

Facilitate the reproduction of the newly learned skills

Keep the kids motivated

Based on lecture by Dr. Maureen Weiss, Professor of sport psychology Dept. of Phys. Ed. and human movement studies, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403.