Stages of Learning and Yoga

By Mia Taylor posted on on Wed 04th Aug, 2010 02:27 pm

All motor skills like yoga are learned and developed in a progressive pattern of acquisition.   This pattern can be viewed in definable transitions referred to as stages of learning, and are understood to evolve with practice and experience.  While there exists a degree of overlap between these stages, the sequence of development follows a similar pathway: an initial focus on cognitive mechanisms coupled with initial movements, an emerging associative phase where motor skill and cognition become more refined, and a characteristic transition to an autonomous stage that is an amalgamation of previous stages distinguished by a more perfected state of skill.

There exists a three stage model to describe how motor skills are learned and fostered by the practitioner.  While there are no prescribed time frames for the progression through these stages, each is measured by particular changes in performance.  In their first stage, referred to as the cognitive stage, the learner is required to devise mental connections with regard to the many variables that a movement or series of movements require.  Here the learner creates the foundation for further motor skill acquisition through preliminary information processed in connection with environmental cues and external feedback.  This stage is characterized by a high number errors and an erratic performance, as cognition tends to be overwhelmed in this stage.  However, it is in this stage that the learner answers the fundamental questions about the goals or performance, and begins to intrinsically solve these problems but still there remains a sense of misunderstanding and much room for improvement.

Transition from the first stage to the second phase of learning, referred to as the associative stage, occurs as the practitioner begins to interpret instruction and bodily movement in a more clearly defined state.  The foundation cultivated in the first stage begins to coalesce here and is recognized by fewer performance errors and a more refined intrinsic capability to calculate corrections.  Performance in this stage is more consistently successful and much growth is experienced during this phase but along the spectrum of stages, still there exists room for improvement.  It is understood that many practitioners might remain within the spectrum of the second stage because of lack of practice and experience, and never progress into the later more independent and advanced stage.

The final independent stage of the three stage model, called the autonomous stage is characterized by a level of motor skill achievement that is essentially automatic with little or no conscious inhibition.  Performance is consistent and errors are relatively few, and the capability to self-correct movement becomes heightened.  Determining factors to reach this stage are dependent upon the amount of time dedicated to practice as well as earlier levels of quality instruction, feedback and internalization of the previous experience.  As noted earlier, some many never reach this level, but when viewing these stages of learning in terms of a continuum rather than independent stages, it is possible that elements or glimpses of the autonomous stage can occur for the practitioner even if full transition is never achieved. 

Stages of learning while relatable to the development any motor skill is most apparent in learning yoga.  The initial phase of learning yoga postures is characterized by the student requiring visual prompts or demonstrations, verbal descriptions of limb placement and/or bodily configuration, and offering the option of modifications if needed.  For those with under-developed prior motor ability, this stage can last sometimes up to 1 year before the transition toward a more integrated practice occurs.  Conversely, if prior motor abilities transfer well to this environment, (often the case with those who were gymnasts or dancers for instance) the advancement toward the second stage can occur rapidly within the range of several classes.  This progress or associative stage, for many yoga practitioners is where the learner feels a sense of accomplishment.  It becomes visually clear from that reaction time is shortened and movement is more fluid with self-correcting measures apparent.  Sequences of postures are consistent and refinement often occurs via simple verbal instruction or by using a gentle hands-on approach.  Here depending on the application of practice and embodiment of experience, progression into the final stage is attained.  Students who are in the autonomous stage are those who clearly rely on nothing more than the verbal cue and smoothly flow into and out of postures with grace.  Strength and poise are defined in this final stage as the practitioner can hold postures with steadiness and ease and errors are momentarily experienced and promptly corrected because the practitioner relies on intrinsic feedback and knowledge of how the pose currently feels as it is being performed. 

 As with all physical skills, learning is a process of that moves through stages.  If you are new to yoga, be patient as your mind and body learn to work together to form a cohesive bond.  More experienced practitioners continue their growth by expanding the minds edge within the context of movement and physical development.  Whatever stage you are in is perfect and where you need to be.  With practice and patience you will progress physically, mentally, and soulfully.

Namaste~

Mia Taylor

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