by Chris Button, Ludovic Seifert, Jia Yi Chow, Duarte Araujo, Keith Davids
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.
