Definitions of guidance and feedback

Guidance and feedback are essential tools in physical education for helping performers learn and improve skills. They support the development of techniques in sports and activities by providing direction and information on performance.

Guidance

Guidance refers to methods used by coaches or teachers to show performers how to execute a skill or technique correctly. This can involve explanations, demonstrations, or physical support to build understanding and confidence.

Feedback

Feedback is information provided to a performer about their execution of a skill, highlighting what went well and what needs improvement. It helps refine techniques and motivates continued practice.

Types of guidance

There are four main types of guidance: verbal, visual, manual, and mechanical. Each type suits different skills and performer levels, depending on factors like the complexity of the skill.

Verbal guidance

Verbal guidance involves using spoken words to explain how to perform a technique, often delivered by a coach during or before practice.

Advantages of verbal guidance:

• Combinable with other methods - It can be used alongside visual or manual guidance to reinforce learning.
• Suitable for experienced performers - They can understand technical language, making it effective for refining advanced skills.
• Useful during performance - It allows real-time adjustments, especially for open skills where the environment changes.

Disadvantages of verbal guidance:

• Less effective for complex skills - It may not help with high organisation or intricate techniques that are hard to describe.
• Confusing for beginners - Complicated language can overwhelm novices who lack foundational knowledge.

Visual guidance

Visual guidance uses demonstrations, videos, diagrams, or images to show performers how to execute a technique, allowing them to observe and imitate.

Advantages of visual guidance:

• Effective for beginners - Novices can copy the skill directly, building a mental picture of correct execution.
• Good for low organisation skills - It breaks down simple skills into step-by-step visuals, making them easier to learn.

Disadvantages of visual guidance:

• Limited for complex skills - High organisation skills are harder to demonstrate and copy accurately, as they involve many integrated movements.

Manual guidance

Manual guidance occurs when a coach physically moves the performer's body through the correct technique, providing hands-on support.

Advantages of manual guidance:

• Develops kinaesthetic awareness - Performers get the "feel" of the movement through kinaesthetic learning, which involves sensing body positions and motions, before trying it independently.
• Versatile for all levels - It benefits beginners building confidence and experienced performers refining techniques.

Disadvantages of manual guidance:

• Risk of dependency - Performers might rely on the support and struggle to perform the skill without it.
• Impractical for groups - It's hard to apply in large classes, as it requires one-on-one attention.

Mechanical guidance

Mechanical guidance involves using equipment, such as harnesses or floats, to support the performer while practising a skill.

Advantages of mechanical guidance:

• Safe for beginners - It provides security when learning potentially dangerous skills, allowing practice without full risk.
• Helpful for complex skills - It supports high organisation movements, giving performers time to master them.

Disadvantages of mechanical guidance:

• Potential for over-reliance - Learners may not develop the ability to perform the skill without the equipment.
• Challenging in groups - Like manual guidance, it's difficult to manage with many participants due to equipment needs.

Types of feedback

Feedback can be categorised by its source (where it comes from) or timing (when it is given). It is crucial for identifying errors and reinforcing correct techniques, helping performers progress.

Feedback by source

Intrinsic feedback:

• Intrinsic feedback comes from within the performer, based on how the skill "felt" during execution, using internal senses like balance or muscle tension.
• Best for experienced performers, as they have the knowledge to self-assess and judge performance quality accurately.

Extrinsic feedback:

• Extrinsic feedback is provided by an external source, such as a coach or video replay, offering observations on what happened and how to improve.
• Ideal for beginners, as novices often lack the experience to evaluate their own performance reliably.

Feedback by timing

Concurrent feedback:

• Concurrent feedback is given during the performance itself, allowing immediate adjustments.

Terminal feedback:

• Terminal feedback is provided after the performance has ended, often through analysis or discussion.

Using feedback to improve performance

Feedback is a powerful tool for enhancing skills by pinpointing areas for development. Once received, it can guide targeted practice.

Key ways to apply feedback:

• Identify strengths and weaknesses - Feedback highlights effective techniques (strengths) and errors (weaknesses), providing a clear focus for improvement.
• Create action plans - Based on feedback, performers can develop step-by-step plans, such as practising specific drills or adjusting techniques, to boost overall performance.