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HMS, BM 2014 HSC 14 MC

Which group of physical skills is best acquired using massed practice?

  1. Skills learnt in an open environment
  2. Skills that require extensive external feedback
  3. Skills that require a high degree of coordination
  4. Skills that have a distinctive beginning and end
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\(D\)

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  • D is correct: Discrete skills with clear start/finish benefit from massed practice.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Open skills need distributed practice for environmental adaptation.
  • B is incorrect: Skills needing feedback require distributed practice for processing.
  • C is incorrect: Complex coordination skills need distributed practice for learning.

♦♦♦ Mean mark 39%.

HMS, BM 2017 HSC 17 MC

Which group of skills is best learned using a massed practice approach?

  1. Skills learned in an open environment
  2. Skills with a distinct beginning and end in the learning routine
  3. Skills requiring extensive external feedback during each learning phase
  4. Skills requiring a high degree of coordination in order to be learned effectively
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\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

  • B is correct: Discrete skills with clear beginning and end benefit from massed practice.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Open environment skills benefit more from distributed practice for adaptation.
  • C is incorrect: Skills needing extensive feedback require distributed practice for processing time.
  • D is incorrect: Complex coordination skills benefit from distributed practice to avoid fatigue

♦♦ Mean mark 47%.

HMS, BM 2022 HSC 26

To what extent should practice methods vary according to the ability, confidence and prior experience of learners? Provide examples to support your answer.   (8 marks)

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Judgment Statement

  • Practice methods should vary significantly according to learner characteristics, with ability, confidence and prior experience determining the most appropriate approach for skill development and performance improvement.

Beginner Learners

  • Beginners with low ability, confidence and minimal prior experience require structured, simple practice methods. Massed practice suits beginners learning discrete skills like tennis serves because continuous repetition builds muscle memory and basic technique. This occurs because beginners need frequent attempts to establish movement patterns. Whole practice methods work effectively for simple skills, allowing beginners to understand complete movement sequences. For example, teaching a beginner swimmer the complete freestyle stroke enables them to grasp the overall coordination rather than focusing on isolated arm movements.

Advanced Learners

  • Advanced learners with high ability, confidence and extensive prior experience benefit from varied, challenging practice methods. Distributed practice allows advanced performers to focus on skill refinement during shorter, intense sessions. This approach creates opportunities for feedback and technique adjustment between practice periods. Random practice challenges advanced learners by mixing different skills unpredictably. For example, an experienced basketball player practicing shooting, dribbling and passing in random order develops adaptability and game-realistic decision-making skills.

Reaffirmation

  • Evidence demonstrates that practice methods must vary considerably based on learner characteristics. Appropriate matching of practice methods to ability, confidence and experience maximises skill development efficiency whilst preventing frustration and performance plateaus.
Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • Practice methods should vary significantly according to learner characteristics, with ability, confidence and prior experience determining the most appropriate approach for skill development and performance improvement.

Beginner Learners

  • Beginners with low ability, confidence and minimal prior experience require structured, simple practice methods. Massed practice suits beginners learning discrete skills like tennis serves because continuous repetition builds muscle memory and basic technique. This occurs because beginners need frequent attempts to establish movement patterns. Whole practice methods work effectively for simple skills, allowing beginners to understand complete movement sequences. For example, teaching a beginner swimmer the complete freestyle stroke enables them to grasp the overall coordination rather than focusing on isolated arm movements.

Advanced Learners

  • Advanced learners with high ability, confidence and extensive prior experience benefit from varied, challenging practice methods. Distributed practice allows advanced performers to focus on skill refinement during shorter, intense sessions. This approach creates opportunities for feedback and technique adjustment between practice periods. Random practice challenges advanced learners by mixing different skills unpredictably. For example, an experienced basketball player practicing shooting, dribbling and passing in random order develops adaptability and game-realistic decision-making skills.

Reaffirmation

  • Evidence demonstrates that practice methods must vary considerably based on learner characteristics. Appropriate matching of practice methods to ability, confidence and experience maximises skill development efficiency whilst preventing frustration and performance plateaus.

♦♦ Mean mark 41%.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 582

Explain how the characteristics of a skill influence the choice between massed and distributed practice methods. Use specific examples to support your answer.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Discrete, non-fatiguing skills like dart throwing benefit from massed practice as they allow repetition without significant physical fatigue, enabling continuous improvement through repeated attempts.
  • In contrast, physically demanding skills like long-distance running require distributed practice because they need adequate recovery periods to maintain performance quality.
  • Similarly, skills requiring high concentration levels, such as archery, are best suited to distributed practice which prevents mental fatigue and maintains focus throughout the session.
  • Complex skills with high coordination demands like gymnastics routines also necessitate distributed practice since this prevents technique deterioration from fatigue, regardless of the learner’s stage.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Discrete, non-fatiguing skills like dart throwing benefit from massed practice as they allow repetition without significant physical fatigue, enabling continuous improvement through repeated attempts.
  • In contrast, physically demanding skills like long-distance running require distributed practice because they need adequate recovery periods to maintain performance quality.
  • Similarly, skills requiring high concentration levels, such as archery, are best suited to distributed practice which prevents mental fatigue and maintains focus throughout the session.
  • Complex skills with high coordination demands like gymnastics routines also necessitate distributed practice since this prevents technique deterioration from fatigue, regardless of the learner’s stage.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 578

Describe how a tennis coach could implement distributed practice when teaching the serve to a beginner player.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • The coach would structure short practice periods focusing on specific serve components like grip, stance, ball toss and swing technique, interspersed with planned rest periods.
  • During rest periods, the coach could provide demonstrations and feedback while the beginner mentally processes instructions. This would suit cognitive stage learners who need time to understand any new movements.
  • The coach could alternate between serve practice and other less demanding skills like forehand groundstrokes. Physical and mental fatigue that beginners experience quickly can be avoided using these methods.
  • This distributed approach would maintain the beginner’s concentration and prevent technique deterioration due to fatigue, allowing proper skill development without overwhelming the learner.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • The coach would structure short practice periods focusing on specific serve components like grip, stance, ball toss and swing technique, interspersed with planned rest periods.
  • During rest periods, the coach could provide demonstrations and feedback while the beginner mentally processes instructions. This would suit cognitive stage learners who need time to understand any new movements.
  • The coach could alternate between serve practice and other less demanding skills like forehand groundstrokes. Physical and mental fatigue that beginners experience quickly can be avoided using these methods.
  • This distributed approach would maintain the beginner’s concentration and prevent technique deterioration due to fatigue, allowing proper skill development without overwhelming the learner.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 577

To what extent should practice methods be modified based on the characteristics of the learner and the nature of the skill being taught. In your response, refer to at least two different practice methods.   (8 marks)

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Position Statement:

  • Practice methods should be modified to a significant extent based on learner characteristics and skill nature.
  • This extensive modification is justified by attention span differences, skill complexity variations, and physical demands.

Strongest Evidence:

  • Learner characteristics fundamentally alter practice effectiveness.
  • Children with short attention spans require distributed practice with frequent breaks, while motivated adults thrive with 45-minute massed sessions.
  • Young tennis players need 10-minute skill blocks versus adults managing continuous practice.
  • Skill nature equally demands major modifications.
  • Open skills like basketball require random practice for decision-making development.
  • Closed skills like golf putting need blocked practice for consistency.
  • High-fatigue activities like sprinting mandate distributed practice regardless of learner type.

Limitations:

  • Some standardised elements can remain consistent across learners.
  • Basic safety protocols and fundamental movement patterns apply universally.
  • However, these limited similarities are overshadowed by the need for individualisation.
  • Even when teaching the same skill, a nervous beginner requires part practice while a confident learner benefits from whole practice.
  • Physical maturity, prior experience, and cognitive ability create such diverse learning needs that significant modification becomes essential.

Reaffirmation:

  • The evidence overwhelmingly supports significant practice modification.
  • Coaches who extensively adapt methods based on learner traits and skill demands achieve superior outcomes.
  • Therefore, practice methods must be modified to a significant extent, progressing from part/blocked for beginners to whole/random for advanced learners.
Show Worked Solution

Position Statement:

  • Practice methods should be modified to a significant extent based on learner characteristics and skill nature.
  • This extensive modification is justified by attention span differences, skill complexity variations, and physical demands.

Strongest Evidence:

  • Learner characteristics fundamentally alter practice effectiveness.
  • Children with short attention spans require distributed practice with frequent breaks, while motivated adults thrive with 45-minute massed sessions.
  • Young tennis players need 10-minute skill blocks versus adults managing continuous practice.
  • Skill nature equally demands major modifications.
  • Open skills like basketball require random practice for decision-making development.
  • Closed skills like golf putting need blocked practice for consistency.
  • High-fatigue activities like sprinting mandate distributed practice regardless of learner type.

Limitations:

  • Some standardised elements can remain consistent across learners.
  • Basic safety protocols and fundamental movement patterns apply universally.
  • However, these limited similarities are overshadowed by the need for individualisation.
  • Even when teaching the same skill, a nervous beginner requires part practice while a confident learner benefits from whole practice.
  • Physical maturity, prior experience, and cognitive ability create such diverse learning needs that significant modification becomes essential.

Reaffirmation:

  • The evidence overwhelmingly supports significant practice modification.
  • Coaches who extensively adapt methods based on learner traits and skill demands achieve superior outcomes.
  • Therefore, practice methods must be modified to a significant extent, progressing from part/blocked for beginners to whole/random for advanced learners.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 574

Describe how massed practice can be effective for an athlete in the autonomous stage of learning.   (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Massed practice allows autonomous-stage athletes to refine their already-automated movements through continuous repetition without breaks.
  • Highly motivated athletes in the autonomous stage possess the mental focus and physical conditioning to maintain quality performance during extended practice periods.
  • For discrete skills like basketball free throws, massed practice suits autonomous athletes who can maintain consistent technique while making subtle refinements through consecutive repetitions.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Massed practice allows autonomous-stage athletes to refine their already-automated movements through continuous repetition without breaks.
  • Highly motivated athletes in the autonomous stage possess the mental focus and physical conditioning to maintain quality performance during extended practice periods.
  • For discrete skills like basketball free throws, massed practice suits autonomous athletes who can maintain consistent technique while making subtle refinements through consecutive repetitions.