Professional judgement and decision-making in adventure sports coaching: the role of interaction

Carson

International Sport Coaching Journal

2016

Self Cite

Previous research has emphasised the dynamic nature of coaching practice and the need to consider both individual performer needs and necessary contextual trade-offs in providing optimum solutions. In this regard, a Professional Judgment and Decision Making framework has been suggested to facilitate an optimum blend of actions against these complex and dynamic demands. Accordingly, we extend this work and address recent calls for greater focus on expertise-oriented assessments, by postulating on the aspirant/developing coach’s capacity for and development of metacognition (i.e., active control over cognitive processes) as a ‘tool’ within the reflective process. Specifically, we propose that metacognition enables essential active cognitive processing for deep learning and impactful application, together with construction and refinement of useable knowledge to inform coaching decisions. Metacognition, therefore, helps to contextualise knowledge provided in training, further optimising the experience, particularly before certification. Finally, we exemplify how metacognition can be developed in coaches through the use of cognitive apprenticeships and decision training tools; and evaluated via a series of observed coaching episodes, with reasoning articulated through pre and postsession interview. Despite challenging traditional competency-based approaches to coach education, we believe that a considered mixed approach represents a vital next step in further professionalising sports coaching.

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Metacognition and Professional Judgment and Decision Making in Coaching: Importance, Application and Evaluation

Carson

International Sport Coaching Journal

2016

Self Cite

“…In this respect, s/he is free to 'experiment', adapt and refine knowledge (cf. Schön's, 1983 view of practitioner as experimenter) and theories (and, therefore, practice) directly in context and in a highly pragmatic way (L. , 2016a, 2016b.…”

Section: Coach and Leadermentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of ‘pracademics’ in education and development of adventure sport professionals

Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

2018

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Understanding and exploiting the synergy between theory and practice lies at the heart of effective education for outdoor professionals. Accordingly, and in an attempt to stimulate debate, this paper conceptualises the interaction between theory and practice in the context of the education of outdoor professionals. We identify issues specific to the often separated worlds of practice and academia. While acknowledging those distinct skills and competencies, however, we also explore a mid-role; that of the 'pracademic' or scientistpractitioner or practioner scholar, considering behaviours that may encourage greater collaborative work to inform the process and implementation of the education of outoor professionals.

“…Independently of how intuition is seen to operate (and various theories do offer different perspectives on the mechanism; cf. Klein, 2015 ), we were interested to build from our recent work in coach decision making (DM; e.g., Collins and Collins, 2012 , 2013 , 2015a , b , 2016b ) to examine the role that intuitive decisions were perceived as playing in the repertoire of high-level coaches. Reflecting our interests and experience, and also to offer a contrasting pair of environments, we decided to conduct this primary exploration in adventure sports and rugby.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, understanding and effectively utilizing the cognitive and macro cognitive skills of coaches as the basis for assessment and professional development is increasingly recognized (cf. Collins and Collins, 2016b ). In short, a move from a simple behavioral competency model to one firmly based in expertise is both overdue and would offer a significant step forward for coaching (see Collins et al, 2015 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The concept of nested DM (cf. Martindale and Collins, 2007 , 2012 ; Abraham and Collins, 2011 ; Collins and Collins, 2015a , b , 2016b ) as a part of the application of PJDM (op cit) to coaching, saw higher-order/longer-term decisions as best taken in a more considered deliberative (CDM) fashion while immediate, in-session decisions were more short-term and almost intuitive (more reflective of an NDM approach). The nesting of the latter within the former, so that short-term decisions generally took into account and catered for longer-term agendas, was suggestive that intuitive DM in a predominantly cognitive task such as coaching may show such an interaction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

“If It Feels Right, Do It”: Intuitive Decision Making in a Sample of High-Level Sport Coaches

Carson

2016

Front. Psychol.

Self Cite

Comprehensive understanding and application of decision making is important for the professional practice and status of sports coaches. Accordingly, building on a strong work base exploring the use of professional judgment and decision making (PJDM) in sport, we report a preliminary investigation into uses of intuition by high-level coaches. Two contrasting groups of high-level coaches from adventure sports (n = 10) and rugby union (n = 8), were interviewed on their experiences of using intuitive and deliberative decision making styles, the source of these skills, and the interaction between the two. Participants reported similarly high levels of usage to other professions. Interaction between the two styles was apparent to varying degrees, while the role of experience was seen as an important precursor to greater intuitive practice and employment. Initially intuitive then deliberate decision making was a particular feature, offering participants an immediate check on the accuracy and validity of the decision. Integration of these data with the extant literature and implications for practice are discussed.