Dynamics of Skill Acquisition: An Ecological Dynamics Approach

Dynamics of Skill Acquisition, Second Edition, provides an analysis of the processes underlying human skill  acquisition. As the first text to outline the multidisciplinary  ecological dynamics framework for understanding movement behavior, this  heavily updated edition stays on the cutting edge, with principles of  nonlinear pedagogy and methodologies from the constraints-led approach.

 Students and practitioners across a variety of professions—including  coaches, physical educators, trainers, and rehabilitation  specialists—will appreciate the applied focus of this second edition.  Movement models throughout the text provide examples for visualizing  task constraints and enhancing the study and understanding of movement  behavior. Athletes and sports teams are presented as specific complex  adaptive systems, with information on designing learning environments  and adapting programs to foster skill development.

Readers will  learn the historical evolution of dynamical systems theory and the  ecological dynamics framework. These foundational concepts illustrate  the integration between intentional action, cognition, and decision  making and their effects on performance and behavior. Complex  theoretical concepts are explained in simple terms and related to  practice, focusing on the implications of the work of pioneering  researchers such as Nikolai Bernstein, Egon Brunswik, James Gibson,  Scott Kelso, and Karl Newell. Case studies written by practitioners  contain specific examples of the ecological dynamics framework in  action, bringing theory to life. By learning how to identify and  manipulate key constraints that influence learning skilled behavior,  readers will gain insight into practice designs for creating positive  learning experiences that enable individuals to develop and learn  functional movements.

Throughout the book, learning features  guide readers through material with clear direction and focus to improve  understanding. Spotlight on Research sidebars provide detailed  descriptions of important studies to connect theory, research, and  application. Lab activities teach application skills beyond the content,  ensuring reader understanding. In addition, chapter objectives,  self-test questions, and Key Concept sidebars highlight important  concepts in each chapter.

With the study of human movement now  bridging many disciplines, including motor development, psychology,  biology, and physical therapy, Dynamics of Skill Acquisition, Second Edition, provides a timely analysis of the ecological dynamics framework and  presents a comprehensive model for understanding how coordination  patterns are assembled, controlled, and acquired. The theoretical roots  and development of the ecological dynamics framework provide application  strategies for all people with an interest in movement coordination and  control.