Most sports with a specific technique that has to be used use a command style because if the technique is not performed right the performer could get injured. For an individual sport example, in the pole vault the athlete must use the correct technique from take of an till landing because an incorrect technique could result in the athlete going up in the air doing it wrong and missing the mat. This is why the command style is used so the teacher can clearly tell the performer the correct way to take off to get the position in the air, the technique in the air over the bar and the way to land correctly and that he has to do it this way or he will fail and could get hurt. The command style would mainly be used for beginners but as the performer gets to understand the technique the teacher could use the self-check style so the performer can monitor their performance against the teacher’s criteria. This could have a down side as the performer may prefer a command style and could lack motivation but it could just as easily be positive input for the performer that could result in better performances in training and competition.
Individual sports such as 3000m running the coach can focus on discovery learning styles such as problem solving where the teacher can set the performer problems such as weather to go out quick to the front or settle in behind the lead and when to start to speed up and go for the lead. The performer will then attempt to solve the problems and go back to the teacher with their results and then the coach will discuss the result and decide the best tactic to use. This style of teaching is use full as the performer is involved in the leaning and is more motivated and will enjoy the sport more.
A racket sports such as tennis learning how to execute a serve would be shown the correct technique by the teacher. As the serve is a completed skill it should be taught in a part method to learn the important stages of the serve each stage should be shone and then the performers told to execute the teachers prescribed movement of the task in pairs. This would be known as the Reciprocal style of teaching.
Also in a racket sport such as tennis you could use the guided discovery style for competitions where the teacher gives the performer clues to solve during a match. The performer will be concentrating on the clues the teacher has set he can solve them in a match situation this also helps the performer to concentrate on the areas of their game. For example the teacher gives the performer a clue like ‘when your opponent is at the base line do you think it would be a good idea to make them run’. The Performer will try to make his opponent run at the base line and should work out that if he hits the ball from one side of the court to the other his opponent gets tired as they find it harder to get to the ball and he will win more points. This gives the performers a sense of achievement and can make them more motivated.
Team Sports such as football would use the Reciprocal style, as the teacher would have shown the task to them and then the team would practise as a team and help each other to learn the task from what the coach has told them. For example the teacher shows the team how to head the ball the teacher will use the whole method as its not a complex skill. The team will then split in to pairs to practise the skill giving each other tips on how they could have done it better from the knowledge they had just received from their coach. The session the coach can give them the criteria to per form the header and can monitor them selves on the criteria, which changes the teaching style to a Self-check style.
A hockey team coach may want to practice plays on how to defend their goal from the opposition he would use Problem solving for this session by giving a scenario and asking them to find the best way to defend it. This type of style would be used in an experienced team who will know each other’s abilities and will be able to come up with a good solution to suit each other’s abilities.
Example of a professional coach using teaching styles would be Paula Radcliff’s husband who uses a Learner-initiated and a self-check style as Paula decides what races she wants to do and the certain training she feels she should use. He will then look at her plain and create criteria for her so she can monitor her self on her performances. He gives Paula the freedom to train and doesn’t put pressure on her unless it is needed which is rare as she is naturally motivated. He takes a laissez faire approach to relax Paula to get a good performance out of her but if she starts to lack motivation he will use the command teaching style, which is an autocratic approach.
A good teacher will use the whole Mosston Spectrum and use a mix of all styles and know when to use them and when not to. But they will also need to have good knowledge of the sport their teaching and also need good leadership and motivational qualities and a good teacher should be good at dealing with change at a personal level, creating a learning organization leadership development career and life planning, managing stress, modifying communication and interaction styles increasing confidence and self-belief motivating others and building relationships of trust. Teachers should also make sure they use the smarter rule
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S - goals must be Specific
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M - training targets should be Measurable
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A - goals should be Adjustable
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R - goals must be Realistic
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T - training targets should be Time based
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E - goals should be challenging and Exciting
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R - goals should be Recorded
Word Count =1316
Bibliography
Galligian F. et al. (2000) Advanced P.E for Edexcel.
