How are skills classified, and how does learning one skill transfer to another?
Classification of skills and transfer of learning: the classification continua, using classification to design practice, and the types of transfer (positive, negative, zero, bilateral) and how to maximise positive transfer.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level PE on classification and transfer: the skill classification continua (open-closed, gross-fine, discrete-serial-continuous, self-paced-externally paced, high-low organisation), how classification informs practice design, and the types of transfer with ways to maximise positive transfer.
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What this dot point is asking
Eduqas wants you to place skills on the classification continua, explain how classification informs practice design, and explain the types of transfer of learning and how to maximise positive transfer.
The classification continua
Using classification to design practice
Types of transfer
Maximising positive and limiting negative transfer
To maximise positive transfer, a coach: highlights the similarities between the two skills; ensures the first skill is well learned before introducing the second; makes practice realistic so it resembles the competitive situation; and uses similar movement patterns. To limit negative transfer, the coach: separates the teaching of skills that conflict; explains the differences clearly; and avoids practising conflicting actions together until each is secure. Because negative transfer is usually temporary and caused by confusion, clear teaching and well-grooved skills prevent most of it.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC Eduqas exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Eduqas 20194 marksPlace a sprint start and a pass in a team game on the open-closed and self-paced-externally paced continua, justifying each placement.Show worked answer →
A Component 1 classification question. Two marks per skill for the placement and justification.
A sprint start is a closed and self-paced skill: it is performed in a stable, predictable environment unaffected by opponents (closed), and the performer controls the timing of the start in response to the gun, but executes a pre-set movement under their own control (largely self-paced once initiated). A pass in a team game (a football or netball pass) is an open and externally paced skill: it is performed in a changing, unpredictable environment with moving opponents and team-mates (open), and the timing is controlled by external factors (the position of opponents and the moment the receiver is free), so it is externally paced. So the two skills sit at opposite ends of both continua because one is stable and self-controlled while the other is variable and dictated by the environment.
A common dropped mark is placing the skill on the continuum without justifying it against the environment and the control of timing.
Eduqas 20216 marksExplain the types of transfer of learning, and describe how a coach can maximise positive transfer and limit negative transfer when teaching a new skill.Show worked answer →
A Component 1 transfer question. Markers reward the types and the practical strategies.
Award marks for: positive transfer is when the learning of one skill helps the learning or performance of another (a tennis serve helping a volleyball serve, or throwing helping a javelin); negative transfer is when one skill hinders another (a squash swing disrupting a tennis stroke because the wrist action differs); zero transfer is when one skill has no effect on another; and bilateral transfer is the transfer of learning from one limb to the other (a footballer transferring skill from the dominant to the weaker foot). To maximise positive transfer, the coach highlights the similarities between the skills, ensures the first skill is well learned before the second, makes practice realistic so it resembles the game, and uses similar movement patterns. To limit negative transfer, the coach separates the teaching of skills that conflict, explains the differences clearly, and avoids practising conflicting actions together until each is secure.
A top answer names all four transfer types with examples and gives concrete strategies for promoting positive and limiting negative transfer.
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Sources & how we know this
- Eduqas A Level Physical Education Specification — Eduqas (2016)