Repetition is one way to learn new skills.  But, to optimize your skill learning you really need to put those skills to work in varied experiences.  If you want to really learn something, you need to repeatedly interact with those new skills in as many different ways, scenarios & environments as possible.

This is exactly what Colleen Kelly has done.  To learn efficient swimming, she jumped in to (pun totally intended!) practicing her swim skills in multiple environments:  private lessons, “Back to Basics” sessions, Swim Training workouts AND Sun Technique sessions!

Learning in different formats is incredibly challenging…but it’s SO effective because you have to change, modify & adapt your skill sets to each scenario.

• Private Lessons offer individualized learning where skill sets can be practiced in isolation & with immediate feedback.
• “Back to Basics” requires skill sets to be manipulated to meet the requirements of different strokes & movement patterns.
• Swim Training Workouts allow skill sets to be integrated into full swimming with reduced feedback.
• Sun Technique Sessions gives the opportunity to compare your skill learning experience to other swimmers’ learning experience.

This is why Colleen Kelly is this week’s Performance High Athlete Spotlight!  She is working hard to optimize skill learning in varied experiences from one-on-one to group workouts!

In Colleen’s own words:

“I self-describe as a ‘binge hobbyist’.  My typical hobby binge cycle is 2 to 4 years (e.g., acting, Aikido, running).  But many of my hobbies have endured past the 2-4yr cycle (e.g., ballet, drawing, painting).  I am confident swimming will also be one of these enduring hobbies!

I appreciate that Coach Michelle offers me many options for indulging my swimming binge hobby.  Combining private lessons with the group workouts has become a useful learning & training strategy.  Even in our group workouts, Coach Michelle gives me individual reminders from my private lessons.  In this way, I’ve been able to effectively participate in group workouts even as a newbie swimmer!

Another important facet of my learning is immediate review through note taking.  Long ago I learned most forgetting occurs within 10min of learning.  Hence, as soon as possible after a practice or private lesson, I reflect & write about what I’ve learned, corrections I’ve received, things I want to practice, or new questions that I have.  Even though I rarely read my notes again, the benefit comes from the immediate mental review.  I encourage everyone to keep a notebook when learning new skills!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colleen’s notetaking technique…complete with drawings!