Learning

Dictionary definition

Learning is “a process that leads to change, which occurs as a result of experience and increases the potential for improved performance and future learning.” The acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught.

Exploring the concept of learning presents a challenge on two fronts.

One. As a coach, Learning a primary function. Co-constructing Learning along with the players, which enriches their lives and leads to their growth and development, is a coach’s responsibility.

Two. There is not one universally accepted theory or concept that defines and explains Learning. Understanding Learning, in all its complexity, is subject to exploring and drawing on many different theories and concepts.

A coach is a Co-Learner with their players. They walk alongside them during their sport’s experience. Deepening their understanding. Expanding their knowledge. Sharpening their skills. And building their competencies.

An Athlete Centered coach is focused on Learning. They pay close attention to the needs of their players. Goals and objectives are identified based on who’s in front of them. The Who is more important than the What.

Understanding Who you are coaching is one important strand of competency for a coach - recognizing developmentally appropriate concepts and strategies. Introducing and refining foundational skills. And most importantly leading holistically – caring for and valuing the person in front of you before the player or performance.

Another strand of competency for an Athlete Center Coach is being aware of how learning happens. Being able to bring concepts and theories to bear for both their players and themselves.

Let’s explore a few ideas, concepts, and theories to build a foundation of understanding Learning. Appreciate that our exploration of Learning may be more philosophical than concrete.

A person cannot teach another person directly; a person can only facilitate another’s learning. – Carl Rogers

Learning is a change in long-term memory. It represents a substantive change in behavior and/or attitude over time.

Learning is not linear. Everyone’s learning journey will be uniquely their own. Everyone’s path to acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and building competency will be their own winding road.

The Learner’s Mindset matters. How the learner views their ability to ‘learn’ and develop new competencies is key – A Growth Mindset. This is contrasted with a Fixed Mindset – where a learner believes that the competencies they have is all they will ever have. They can’t grow. An example being – ‘I can’t hit a curveball.’

Growth Mindset is domain specific. It is not universal. Players, or Learners, may have a Growth Mindset in one area of their lives and a Fixed Mindset in another. Aiding Learners in understanding and applying a Growth Mindset is critical.

Applying a Growth Mindset helps improve resilience and motivation. Intrinsic motivation to persist and continue with an activity when the inevitable challenges and obstacles appear. Fuel from inside to grow through mistakes.

Everyone likes to draw on their Experience and make connections to what they already know. No one is a blank slate and an empty void to be filled. Everyone brings some experiences to the table. Making these connects explicit to the players, or learners, helps them to feel valued and appreciated. Learning, re-learning, and unlearning previous ‘things’ helps to strengthen new competencies.

Every child is ready to learn something – it’s our job as teachers and parents to determine what that child is ready to learn. —James Hymes

Feedback is the Future. To facilitate learning, feedback needs to be provided to and for the Learner. This could be feedback from the coach, teammate, or the environment itself confirming what worked - the ball went into the basket or net. My teammate gave me a thumbs up after a pass or exchange. Or it could be a signal or que from the coach, teammate, or the environment that calls for a correction or adjustment to future action – a pass that goes out of bounds, a throw that lands in front of the ball, a splash is too large after a dive.

The timing and type of corrective feedback can enhance or derail a player’s learning process. More on this in future blogs.

You have not taught until they have learned. – John Wooden

Understanding and appreciating the complexity of Learning, influences our beliefs. Remember, a modern-day coach understands that learning is the key function. This belief should shape all our coaching behaviors.

Always returning to and assessing our Players, our Learners. Check for Understanding. What are they able to ‘do’? What is their current competency with the knowledge, skills, and strategies being shared? It is their Learning that shapes future lessons.

Exploring Learning will be an ongoing journey for us as coaches. Find new information about Learning. Research a concept or theory that might work for your players. Be a Seeker. A seeker of new knowledge and skill.

We will be constantly adding to our tool belt of applicable theories and concepts. We’ll be experimenting and implementing with our players. All the while growing with our players. Embrace these opportunities and challenges. Your players will be forever thankful, to have been coached by an Athlete-Centered Learning Coach.