Prof. dr. PJ Beek is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Between 2011 and 2014, he published a series of ten highly influential articles on new insights into motor learning. Now, ten years later, it is time for an scientific update on strategies such as external focus of attention, implicit motor learning, ecological psychology, constraint-led approach, differential learning, and more!
In this episode of the “Train the Trainer” podcast, host engages in an in-depth conversation with Professor Peter Beek, a renowned expert in motor learning and coordination dynamics at Vrije University, Amsterdam. The discussion focuses on bridging the gap between motor learning science and its practical application, especially in sports and coaching. Professor Beek shares insights into his research on motor learning theories such as implicit learning, external focus of attention, and differential learning. He reflects on the balance between cognitive and automatic processes in skill acquisition, emphasizing how various training methods can influence expertise development.
Key topics include the challenges of translating scientific findings into practical coaching, the importance of learning methods that promote retention and transfer of skills, and the role of resistance in the learning process. Professor Beek also discusses the evolution of motor learning theories over time, providing real-world examples from his experience with athletes, such as juggling, swimming, and boxing, to illustrate key principles like external focus and implicit learning.
Topics
Introduction of Professor Peter Beek – Overview of his background and academic contributions in motor learning and coordination dynamics.
Motor Learning Insights – Focus on motor learning theories including implicit learning, external focus, and differential learning.
The Development of Expertise – Discussion of juggling research and how task constraints affect skill progression.
Bridging the Science-Practice Gap – The challenge of translating scientific research into practical coaching methods.
The Role of Resistance in Learning – Importance of deliberate practice and the theory of desirable difficulties in the learning process.
Implicit vs. Explicit Learning – Comparison of different learning methods and their impact on retention and skill transfer.
The Balance of Cognition and Automatization – Exploring the role of conscious thought versus automaticity in expertise development.
Real-World Applications of External Focus – Use of external focus in coaching, with examples from trampoline jumping and swimming.
Observational Learning and Metaphors in Training – Discussion on observational learning, using analogies, and the impact on motor learning.
Constraint-Led Approach and Ecological Dynamics – Overview of the constraint-led approach and how environmental factors shape skill acquisition.
Differential Learning – Professor Beek’s take on differential learning theory and how it promotes variation in training to enhance skill development.
Application to Police Training – Insights on how motor learning theories, especially ecological dynamics, are applied in police training.
Learning Strategies for Long-Term Expertise – Discussion on learning strategies that promote deeper, more resilient expertise development over time.
Final Reflections on Learning – Closing thoughts on the future of motor learning research and the importance of emotion and engagement in learning.
Video
Audio version
Articles from sportgericht magazine
Proffessor Beek his University page