Module Details

Module Code: SPRT7038
Title: Skill Acquisition
Long Title: Skill Acquisition for Sport Performance
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2020/21 ( January 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8130 - Sports and Recreation
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will focus on how skill acquisition can enhance sport performance and examines the laws, theories, and principles that unlock human potential. This module also serves to examine the links between theory and practice and the complexity of aligning content with delivery based on the demands of the environment.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate the historical contributions to the field of skill acquisition, to include our understanding of the nature versus nurture debate on human potential.
LO2 Appraise the different empirical foundations that underpin sport performance with particular attention on how ecological dynamics and information processing contribute to the skill acquisition landscape.
LO3 Test experimental concepts of skill acquisition for performance, such as attentional focus, psychological skills training and principles of practice-transfer.
LO4 Devise domain-specific skill acquisition strategies for athletes and coaches. This work will expose students to the myriad of different coaching options available to them in trying to unlock performance.
LO5 Engage in processes and strategies to acquire a deeper understanding of how to learn and develop critical thinking as a skill. These will include pedagogical skills of questioning, the importance of being comfortable with silence, managing breaking out rooms and peer contributions and feedback.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Skill Acquisition Theory
Interrogation of the contributing theories that underpin skill acquisition for performance from ecological psychology, dynamical systems theory, generalised motor programme theory, among others. Extend this theory to an application to practice in a variety of performance settings.
Practice Schedule Content
Develop an in-depth understanding of the practice schedule processes available to skill acquisition practitioners for the effective implementation of training parameters for skill learning, such as blocked, random, variable, segmentation, simplification, among others.
Expert Performance Approach
Engagement with the underlying mechanisms of expert performance, such as think aloud protocols, retrospective history profiling, gaze behaviour, reflective practice, deliberate practice, psychometric testing, among others, as well as the eminent scholars responsible for the research.
Principles of Practice Transfer
Examine the applied effects of concepts of practice-transfer such as differential learning, representative learning, explicit learning, implicit learning, analogy learning, skilled intentionality, action capabilities, among others.
Principles of Performance
Determine how the empirical research translates to the applied setting for performance parameters of the elite athlete, such as anticipation, spatial awareness, decision-making, performance under pressure, psychological skills training, skill adaptability, among others.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Assessment Description
1,500 word essay to compare and contrast theoretical principles of skill acquisition for performance.
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Present a detailed skills report on an athlete or coach including biography, needs analysis, and intervention programme that corresponds with a practical session for evaluation. Ideally, these will be real life scenarios to enrich the commentary.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Weekly lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical Labs focusing on the applied effects of concepts of practice-transfer such as differential learning, representative learning, explicit learning, implicit learning, analogy learning, skilled intentionality, action capabilities, among others. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Reading supplementary materials Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Weekly lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical Labs focusing on the applied effects of concepts of practice-transfer such as differential learning, representative learning, explicit learning, implicit learning, analogy learning, skilled intentionality, action capabilities, among others. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Reading supplementary materials Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Nicola J. Hodges & A. Mark Williams. (2019), Skill Acquisition in Sport: Research, Theory & Practice, 3rd. 19, Routledge, UK, p.364, [ISBN: 0815392842].
  • Chris Button, Ludovic Seifert, Jia Yi Chow, Duarte Araujo, Keith Davids. (2020), Dynamics of Skill Acquisition: An Ecological Dynamics Approach, 2nd. 12, Human Kinetocs, USA, p.288, [ISBN: 9781492563228].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jia Yi Chow, Chris Button, Keith Davids, Ian Renshaw. (2015), Nonlinear Pedagogy in Skill Acquisition: An Introduction, 1st. 13, Routledge, UK, [ISBN: 9780415744393].
  • Joseph Baker, Damian Farrow. (2015), Routledge Handbook of Sport Expertise, 1st. 38, Routledge, UK, [ISBN: 9781138295070].
  • Dave Collins, Andrew Cruickshank, Geir Gordet. (2019), Routledge Handbook of Elite Sport Performance, 1st. 37, Routledge, UK, [ISBN: 9781138290303].
  • Stephanie J. Hanrahan, Mark B. Andersen. (2012), Routledge Handbook of Applied Sport Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide for Students and Practitioners, 1st. 57, Routledge, UK, [ISBN: 9780415484640].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BCSSP_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Coaching Science and Sports Pedagogy 4 Mandatory