PowerPoint Presentation

Learning Theories and the KickWilliam HoffmanWalden UniversityRichard W. Riley School of Education and LeadershipEdD StudentEDUC 8101-2

Hello,I am Brad Hoffman and in this presentation we will attempt to distinguish which method of teaching is most beneficial when it comes to an athletic technique, in this case, the football kick.1Learning ObjectivesA. Historical significance 1. The student will be shown the history associated with an athletic technique. 2. Although the individual technique will not be broken down, each student will begin to grasp an understanding that athletic techniques are governed by laws that have been studied forcenturies.B. Practical significance 1. The student will be shown various learning theories as they evolved and how each one may be applied to the athletic technique. 2. The student will be expected to grasp one-several of the learning theories and be able to utilize the theory(s) in their own individual coaching style. 3. Players may also grasp various learning theories and apply them to their own individual technique.

In this presentation, the student will be shown the history associated with an athletic technique and several learning theories.Each student is expected to grasp one or several of the theories applicable to their individual coaching technique.2AristotleThe Father of Kinesiology

Since the beginning man has always searched for meaning and truth. Attempting to understand how humans think, move and manipulate is nothing new. One of the first great philosophers and educators of our time is Aristotle. Versed in many aspects of life, it was a Aristotle who studied the movement of animals in an attempt to figure out one of the many facets of our universe (USD, n.d).

USD. (n.d.). History of biomechanics and kinesiology. Retrieved from http://people.usd.edu/~jarichar/HIST.html 3ArchimedesGive me a place to stand on and I can move the earth

Archimedes followed, a Greek scientist, who is known as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. His work is extremely beneficial today, in that, he studied levers and had the ability to lift large boats out of the water. In what was known as the claw, Archimedes used the device to disable and destroy enemy ships.Of the lever, Archimedes is said to have commented Give me a place to stand on, and I can move the earth (Heath, 1953, p. xix).

Heath, T.L. (1953). The works of archimedes. New York: Dover Publications.

4Claudius Galen

As mans interest and knowledge grew, so did the curiosity to find out exactly how the human body works. Claudius Galen, a third century physician, gained extensive anatomical experience working with injured soldiers.

Galen extended his knowledge of anatomy by dissecting pigs and apes and studying their bone structure and muscles. Galen was also interested in human anatomy but there is no evidence that he dissected human bodies though rumors persisted that he did (Trueman, n.d.).

Trueman, B. (n.d.) History learning site, claudius galen. Retrieved from http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/claudius_galen.htm 5Sir Isaac Newton

The basis for all motion and movement dates back to the findings of Sir Isaac Newton. His three Laws of Motion are a foundation on the understanding of all motion in the universe and prove invaluable in the study and understanding of athletic techniques.6Newtons Three LawsLaw of InertiaForce = Mass x Acceleration Law of action/reaction

An object will keep doing what it is doing. A football will continue to fly, and it is only because of the earths gravitational pull (downward) the ball falls to the ground. Hence, an object will travel in the direction of the applied force, meaning- the ball will go exactly where you kick it.

2. The greater the mass and acceleration, the greater the force. The greater the force, the further the ball will travel.

3. That is to say that whenever an object pushes another object it gets pushed back in the opposite direction equally hard.

Newton's 3 Laws of Motion. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/louviere/Newton/law3.html

7Ivan PavlovConditioned Response

As man continued to figure out how things work, one of the founding fathers in educational psychology was Ivan Pavlov. Famous for his salivating dogs, Pavlov was instrumental in studying the various responses to certain stimuli. This will open the door for psychologists to continue their study on how the mind works as it is applied to certain stimuli, or situations.8Learning theories and the art of kicking a football.BehaviorismOperant ConditioningDiscoveryExperientialHumanistVMBR

With our forefathers paving the way to how things work. Psychologists took the teachings one step further and applied various situations to how humans work. There are several of those theories today, and more then likely several more to follow. In this presentation, we will take a look at six theories and see if one stands out as the best teaching method as applied to athletics and particularly the football place-kick.9

EDWARD THORNDIKESConnectionism

Acts get stronger with positive reinforcement.

the idea that bonds between stimulus and response take the form of neural connections. Learning involves the "stamping in" of connections, forgetting involves "stamping out" connections (Cooper, n.d.).

Lets begin with the behaviorist approach. Chronologically, this is the oldest of the theories we will discuss. First up is Ed Thorndikes theory of connectionism. This theory involves a stimulus and response which led to the framework behind behavioral psychology (Cooper, n.d.). Simply stated, an act, in this case, kicking a football will be associated with a response, that being success or failure. The stronger, and more frequent positive response, the stronger the learning situation.

Cooper, S. (n.d.). Theories of learning in educational psychology. Retrieved from http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/behaviorism/Thorndike.html 10Animal Intelligence

Thorndike began his research working with animals and determined his theories based on the various responses the animals gave to certain stimuli. In the book Animal intelligence (1911), Thorndike noticed his animals performed the same act when an immediate reward was given. Thus, in athletics, we can conclude the greater the frequency of reward, the greater the development of the technique.

Thorndike, E. (1911) Animal Intelligence. New York: The Macmillan company

11THORNDIKES THREE LAWSLaw of Effecta) Responses to a situation that are followed by satisfaction are strengthened; and b) Responses that are followed by discomfort are weakened (Human Intelligence, 2007).Law of Readinessa series of responses can be chained together to satisfy some goal which will result in annoyance if blocked (Tip, n.d.).Law of ExerciseThe law of exercise specifies that the connection was established because the S-R pairing occurred many times (the law of effect) and was rewarded (law of effect) as well as forming a single sequence (law of readiness) (Tip, n.d.).

Thorndikes connectionism theory can be broken down in to three laws. Effect, readiness and exercise.The Law of Effect simple states an act is strengthened through positive reinforcement.In the athletic sense, the more times an athlete succeeds in a given technique, the more likely the athlete will repeat the given performance.

In his experiments, Thorndike found his performance was enhanced when there was no outside interference. Through his conclusions, goals were accomplished with greater frequency when the subject was free of outside distractions. In the athletes case: learning can be accomplished when one is ready to learn.

Thorndike also postulated that an act strengthens through repetition. An act may begin as trial and error, but an act becomes one through positive reinforcement and repetition.

Human Intelligence: Edward L. Thorndike. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.indiana.edu/~intell/ethorndike.shtml

12Law of EffectSATISFACTIONImprovement through reward, immediate feedback.Repetition will strengthen learning.

Lets look at Thorndikes three laws individually as applied to the athletic situation. The Law of Effect states: Responses to a technique which are followed by a rewarding state will be strengthened and become habitual responses.And the more times we have a success- in this case a successful kick- the more apt we are in repeating the technique.

13Law of Readinesslearning is dependent on the learners readiness to acta series of responses can be chained together to satisfy some goal which will result in annoyance if blocked

The law of readiness states that learning is dependent on the learners readiness to act (Tip, n.d.).

Simply stated when someone is in the mood to learn, they will. It is possible, for Thorndike's cats, they would not respond to food if they were not hungry. One must be hungry to learn and learning best takes place without interruption or interference.

14Law of ReadinessCome to practice ready to learn.Explanation of material will be dealt with in the following fashion.Visualization- Players will be shown the proper techniqueExplanation- Material and techniques will be presented orallyDemonstration- Proper execution by one of the accomplished players

Every player must come to practice with a positive attitude and ready to learn.Players will be instructed the correct technique, then asked to perform that technique. The law of readiness states that a technique can be developed/improved by a series of correct responses.A law which states that learning is dependent upon the learner's readiness to act, which facilitates the strengthening of the bond between stimulus and response. Thus, an athlete who is highly motivated and eager to learn is more likely to be receptive to learning than one who is poorly motivated

Sports. (n.d.). Law of readiness. Retrieved from http://sports.jrank.org/pages/9303/law-readiness.html 15Law of Exercise PROPER SPEED speed for understanding speed for confidence Full speed for perfection

The law of exercise states that a technique will be strengthened with practice. On the other hand, a technique will be weakened when the practice is discontinued. It is very important to understand, an athletic technique cannot be developed at full speed. For that reason, each drill should begin at half speed and then develop itself to a full speed action.

Connectionism theory (E. Thorndike). (n.d.) Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/thorn.html16B.F. SkinnerOperant Conditioning

B.F. Skinner followed Thorndike and applied many of his principles. Skinner, famous for his Operant Conditioning Chamber- studied the behavioral patterns of rodents. In the box, the rodent would press a lever to gain a reward (such as food) or to avoid the pain of an electrical shock.

Basically stated- Sinner believes learning is a change of behavior

Operant conditioning (B.F. Skinner). (n.d.). Skinner. Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/skinner.html

17Operant Conditioning

the behavior is followed by a consequence, and the nature of the consequence modifies the organism's tendency to repeat the behavior in the future. A behavior followed by a reinforcing stimulus results in an increased probability of that behavior occurring in the future (Boeree, C.G., 1998).

Operant conditioning suggests, with success, an action has a tendency to be repeated. Therefore, the greater the success of the athletic technique, the more likely the fundamental will be repeated.

Boeree, C. G. (1998). B. F. Skinner. Retrieved September 19, 2003 from http://www.ship.edu/%7Ecgboeree/skinner.html

18Jerome BrunerDiscovery Learning

As time passed, psychologists took less of the behaviorist method and took more of a humanistic approach to learning. The later part of the twentieth century saw psychologists attempting to make learning more real and applicable to the human being. Jerome Bruners Discovery learning believes that it is best for learners to discover facts and relationships for themselves (Learning Therories, n.d.).

Discovery Learning (Bruner) at Learning Theories. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/discovery-learning-bruner.html

19Discovery Learning

Techniques are broken down from simple to complex.A vivid picture should occur.

Discovery learning parallels Thorndikes approach, in the fact, the smallest stimuli is broken down to produced the desired response. For our purposes- the kicking technique will be broken down to the smallest increments from the simplest to the most complex.The athlete will not only be taught the fundamentals in detail, but the ability to concentrate on the technique in a relaxed state for maximum efficiency.

Techniques will be broken down into increments from simple to complexA vivid picture should occur.

20 David Kolb

Kolbs Cycle

Experiential Learning

David Kolb, like Bruner, believed Thorndike and Skinners theories could not explain the various stages of development employed by the human being. Kolb, then, like Bruner believed learning takes place through experience and broke his theory down in to four parts (Knowledge Base. (n.d.).

Knowledge Base. (n.d.). Experiential learning (Kolb). Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/experiential-learning-kolb.html

21Four Stages of Experiential Learning

Kolbs first element involves experiencing. These are activities from which an athlete may learn. In this case, the kick.

The athlete then, reflects on that experience. What was seen, felt, how did that new experience feel?

Thirdly, the athlete develops questions, and attaches meanings to the experience.

Lastly, the student tests out new ideas, attitudes and behaviors and the cycle continues.

22 Abraham Maslow

Carl Rogers

Humanistic Learning

As learning theories were becoming more cerebral and psychologists took a more inner approach. Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers took the learning situation to a new level. Both theories provided a humanistic approach to learning. Carl Rogers began his career working with abused children and spent sessions trying to make the troubled kids feel good about themselves (Hall, n.d.). This led to his theory of self-realization and self-growth. Rogers (paralleling Kolb) argues that therapists should allow patients to discover the solution for themselves.

Maslows theory, or , Hierarchy of needs forms a pyramid. Mans most basic of needs at the bottom and the need for actualization and self acceptance at the top.

Hall, K.J. (n.d.). Carl rogers. Retrieved from http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/rogers.htm 23Maslows Hierarchy of Needs

Maslows theory begins with mans basic need for survival and, as the human grows, so does their awareness. The need for safety, the need for love and acceptance, found in level three. Almost at the top of the pyramid, Maslow stated, What a man can be, he must be. This forms the basis of the innate survival skills of man. Finally, at the top, Maslow believes a man should become everything that one is capable of becoming (Armand, 2007).

Armand, T. (2007, August 9). Motivation-why?. Retrieved from http://www.armannd.com/motivation.html

24*VMBR

Rounding out our learning theories, we come to one that is not new to the scene, but not widely taught as well.VMBR, or Visuo-Motor Behavioral Rehearsal is a form of mental practice.Since it is a fact the body does exactly what the mind tells it to do (Gisel, n.d.), then it would make sense to train the mind as well as the body.Mental rehearsal involves spending time, alone, and in a relaxed state doing nothing but going over the proper fundamental in the mind. In this case, the kick- from the smallest detail to the largest- nothing is left out and everything in the mental practice session is to be done perfectly.

Gisel, H. (n.d.). Does your mind limit your body?. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Does-Your-Mind-Limit-Your-Body?-Get-To-Know-Your-Physical-Limits!&id=5160128

25Conclusion

Have the philosophies of learning changed throughout time?

So, where do we go from here? Which learning theory is the best? Lets begin by asking the question- have the fundamentals learning changed? Is learning any different now then when man lived in caves? If so, what learning theories (that we studied) did the early caveman exhibit? How have those changed today?26As the World Turns

As the world around us changes, will we constantly be in a learning process?

Is it safe to say the theories of learning will constantly be changing?27The Athlete Evolves

I believe all of the learning theories we discussed are relevant and should be used in the coaching situation. The beginning kicker needs repetition. There is a trial and error period where the individual learns from mistakes. Fast forward to the NFL kicker, who does not need the tremendous amount of reps as a younger athlete would, however, the mental side of the game is of supreme importance.So, like man has evolved, so have learning theories and I have a feeling we havent seen the last of them yet.28TEST 1. How would Edward Thorndike coach a kicker?2. Lets assume a kicker gets homesick and wants to drop out of school. What advice do you think Abraham Maslow would have for him?3. How would you explain VMBR or mental rehearsal to someone?4. The game is tied and you are the coach. What do you tell the kicker before he attempts the game winning field goal? What learning theorist would it parallel?

29ReferencesAmaral, J., & Sabbatini, R. (n.d.). What is a conditioned reflex? Retrieved from http://www.cerebromente.org.br/n09/mente/pavlov_i.htmAristotle. (1945). Progression of animals. Translated by E.S. Foster. Cambridge: Harvard UniversityArmand, T. (2007, August 9). Motivation-why?. Retrieved from http://www.armannd.com/motivation.html Assis, AKT. (2008). The law of gravity and the first law of mechanics. Montreal: C. Roy Keys.Atherton, J. S. (2010). Learning and teaching: Experiential learning. Retrieved from http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/ experience.html Behaviorism. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.funderstanding.com/content/behaviorismBoeree, C. G. (1998). B. F. Skinner. Retrieved September 19, 2003 from http://www.ship.edu/%7Ecgboeree/skinner.htmlConnectionism theory (E. Thorndike). (n.d.) Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/thorn.htmlCooper, J., & Glassow, R. (1972). Kinesiology. Saint Louis: The C.V. Mosby Company.

ReferencesAmaral, J., & Sabbatini, R. (n.d.). What is a conditioned reflex? Retrieved from http://www.cerebromente.org.br/n09/mente/pavlov_i.htmAristotle. (1945). Progression of animals. Translated by E.S. Foster. Cambridge: Harvard UniversityArmand, T. (2007, August 9). Motivation-why?. Retrieved from http://www.armannd.com/motivation.html Assis, AKT. (2008). The law of gravity and the first law of mechanics. Montreal: C. Roy Keys.Atherton, J. S. (2010). Learning and teaching: Experiential learning. Retrieved from http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/experience.htm Behaviorism. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.funderstanding.com/content/behaviorismB.F.Skinner and Operant Conditioning. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/behaviorism/Skinner.htmlBoeree, C. G. (1998). B. F. Skinner. Retrieved September 19, 2003 from http://www.ship.edu/%7Ecgboeree/skinner.htmlConnectionism theory (E. Thorndike). (n.d.) Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/thorn.htmlCooper, J., & Glassow, R. (1972). Kinesiology. Saint Louis: The C.V. Mosby Company.Cooper, S. (n.d.). Theories of learning in educational psychology. Retrieved from http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/behaviorism/Thorndike.html Constructivist theory (J. Bruner). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/bruner.htmlDiscovery Learning (Bruner) at Learning Theories. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/discovery-learning-bruner.htmlGisel, H. (n.d.). Does your mind limit your body?. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Does-Your-Mind-Limit-Your-Body?-Get-To-Know-Your-Physical-Limits!&id=5160128 Hall, K.J. (n.d.). Carl rogers. Retrieved from http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/rogers.htm Heath, T.L. (1953). The works of archimedes. New York: Dover Publications.

Infed. (n.d.). david a. kolb on experiential learning. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/b-explrn.htm PBS. (1998). Watson launches behaviorist school of psychology. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dh13wa.htmlSimons, J. (1987). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Retrieved from http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/ intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/maslow.htmSports. (n.d.). Law of readiness. Retrieved from http://sports.jrank.org/pages/9303/law-readiness.html Nobel Foundation. (2010). The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1904: Ivan Pavlov. Retrieved November 15, 2010, from http://nobelprize.org/nobelprizes/medicine/laureates/1904/pavlov-bio.htmlOperant conditioning (B.F. Skinner). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/skinner.htmlTheories in practice: Operant conditioning. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/skinner.htmlThorndike, E. (1932). The fundamentals of learning. New York: Teachers College Press.Thorndike, E. (1911) Animal Intelligence. New York: The Macmillan companyUSD. (n.d.). History of biomechanics and kinesiology. Retrieved from http://people.usd.edu/~jarichar/HIST.html

30ReferencesCooper, S. (n.d.). Theories of learning in educational psychology. Retrieved from http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/behaviorism/Thorndike.html Constructivist theory (J. Bruner). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/bruner.htmlDiscovery Learning (Bruner) at Learning Theories. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/discovery-learning-bruner.htmlGisel, H. (n.d.). Does your mind limit your body?. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Does-Your-Mind-Limit-Your-Body?-Get-To-Know-Your-Physical-Limits!&id=5160128 Hall, K.J. (n.d.). Carl rogers. Retrieved from http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/rogers.htm Heath, T.L. (1953). The works of archimedes. New York: Dover Publications.Infed. (n.d.). david a. kolb on experiential learning. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/biblio/b-explrn.htm Knowledge Base. (n.d.). Experiential learning (Kolb). Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/experiential-learning-kolb.html PBS. (1998). Watson launches behaviorist school of psychology. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dh13wa.html

REFERENCESSimons, J. (1987). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Retrieved from http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/ intranet/committee/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/maslow.htmSports. (n.d.). Law of readiness. Retrieved from http://sports.jrank.org/pages/9303/law-readiness.html Nobel Foundation. (2010). The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1904: Ivan Pavlov. Retrieved November 15, 2010, from http://nobelprize.org/nobelprizes/medicine/laureates/1904/pavlov-bio.htmlOperant conditioning (B.F. Skinner). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/skinner.htmlTheories in practice: Operant conditioning. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/skinner.htmlThorndike, E. (1932). The fundamentals of learning. New York: Teachers College Press.Thorndike, E. (1911) Animal Intelligence. New York: The Macmillan companyUSD. (n.d.). History of biomechanics and kinesiology. Retrieved from http://people.usd.edu/~jarichar/HIST.html