1. 4. Learning theories
S.Wills

2. Learning theories
It is important to know how learning takes place  to enable effective and efficient coaching. 
We learn motor skills by a combination of theories. 
For you as coach/teacher you need to remember to apply a combination of concepts; these will be dependent on the ability of the performer, the type of skill being learned and the personality traits of the performer. 

3. Operant condition
Associationist or connectionist view of learning. Skinner 1964, conditioning effective through manipulation of behaviour towards a stimulus rather than through modification of the stimulus. Skinner used a box with a rat in it, if the rat hit the lever inside the box, a food pellet would be released. Through trial & error the rat learnt that hitting the lever would produce food. (and reward) Operant condition is concerned with actions being shaped and then reinforced.
Associationist – a group of theories related to connecting stimulus and response. These theories are often referred to as S-R theories. An individual is conditioned by stimuli which are connected to appropriate response. 

4. Operant condition
Reinforcement – process of increasing the likelihood of a behavior occurring, strengthening the S-R bond. Positive reinforcement – the stimulus given when the desired response occurs. Negative reinforcement – the stimulus is withdrawn when the desired response occurs. Punishment – giving a stimulus to prevent a response occurring.
Associationist – a group of theories related to connecting stimulus and response. These theories are often referred to as S-R theories. An individual is conditioned by stimuli which are connected to appropriate response. 

5. Thorndike's laws
Associationist – a group of theories related to connecting stimulus and response. These theories are often referred to as S-R theories. An individual is conditioned by stimuli which are connected to appropriate response. 

6. Social learning/observational learning theory
Significant others are important.
Skills/actions learned by copying others.
Bandura 1961 – aggressive adults being imitated. 
Bandura 1977 – Four important process to consider when teaching skills (attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation)