Segmentation in motor learning is a technique where one aspect of a skill is practiced in isolation first, and then a second aspect is added and practiced together with the first.
Understanding Skill Segmentation
Learning complex motor skills can be challenging. Imagine trying to learn a complex dance routine, play a musical instrument, or perform a difficult gymnastic maneuver all at once. It's often overwhelming. This is where segmentation comes into play. It's a teaching and practice strategy designed to make learning more manageable by breaking down the skill into smaller, more digestible parts.
As stated in the reference material, segmentation involves:
- Practicing one specific part or "segment" of the skill by itself.
- Once that initial part is somewhat learned, adding a second part to the first and practicing these two parts together.
- This process continues, building the skill segment by segment.
This contrasts with practicing the entire skill from start to finish (whole practice) or practicing individual parts separately without ever linking them together sequentially (part practice without segmentation).
Why Use Segmentation?
Segmentation is an effective strategy for several reasons:
- Reduces Cognitive Load: By focusing on only a small part at a time, the learner's brain isn't overloaded with too much information.
- Builds Confidence: Mastering a small segment first can build confidence before tackling the full complexity of the skill.
- Allows Focused Attention: Learners can concentrate on the specific details and mechanics of a particular part before moving on.
- Facilitates Error Correction: It's easier to identify and correct errors in a small segment than in a long, continuous action.
Examples of Segmentation in Practice
Segmentation can be applied across many different types of motor skills. Here are a few illustrative examples:
- Learning a Dance Routine:
- Practice the first few steps/movements (Segment 1) until comfortable.
- Add the next few steps (Segment 2) and practice Segment 1 + Segment 2 together.
- Continue adding segments (Segment 3) and practicing Segment 1 + Segment 2 + Segment 3, and so on, until the whole routine is learned.
- Playing a Piece of Music:
- Practice the first phrase (Segment 1).
- Add the second phrase (Segment 2) and practice Phrase 1 + Phrase 2 together.
- Gradually add subsequent phrases, linking them sequentially.
- Swimming Stroke (e.g., Freestyle):
- Practice leg kick with a kickboard (Segment 1).
- Add arm pull while still using the kickboard or focusing primarily on arms (Segment 2).
- Combine leg kick and arm pull, perhaps initially with a focus on coordination, before adding breathing and timing (Segment 1 + Segment 2 + ...).
| Practice Method | Description | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Practice | Practice the entire skill from start to finish. | The complete sequence and coordination |
| Part Practice | Practice individual components in isolation. | Specific skill elements |
| Segmentation | Practice part 1, then part 1 + 2, then part 1 + 2 + 3, etc. | Progressive chaining of segments |
Segmentation is particularly useful for skills that are serial in nature – skills that involve a sequence of movements performed in order. By mastering each part and then linking it to the previously learned parts, learners build the skill progressively from beginning to end.
