#137 Dr Ed Cope & Prof Chris Cushion - Redefining Direct Instruction in Coaching
Apr 12, 2021
auto_awesome
Dr. Ed Cope, a lecturer in Sport Coaching at Loughborough University, and Prof. Chris Cushion, a Professor of Coaching and Pedagogy, explore the evolution of direct instruction in coaching. They discuss its complexities, arguing against oversimplified views that ignore context and individual athlete needs. They advocate for a balanced approach between direct instruction and discovery learning to enhance youth development. The conversation emphasizes the role of structured guidance in fostering both competence and enjoyment in the learning process.
Dr. Ed Cope and Prof. Chris Cushion advocate for redefining direct instruction in coaching by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application for improved effectiveness.
The discussion highlights the need for coaches to adopt a flexible mindset that considers the context and individual needs of athletes when choosing instructional methods.
Social media's influence on coaching practices has fostered oversimplified binaries, prompting a call for a nuanced understanding of various instructional approaches in coaching.
Deep dives
Overview of Coaching Practices and Perspectives
The discussion highlights the professional backgrounds of the guests, Dr. Ed Cope and Professor Chris Cushion, both of whom share extensive experiences in coaching and academia. Cope has focused his studies on coaching behavior and pedagogy, while Cushion has a long history of coaching across various age groups and levels in football. They both emphasize the importance of integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application to enhance coaching methods effectively. Their collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic research and the practical realities faced by coaches in the field.
Reconceptualizing Direct Instruction
The core focus of the conversation revolves around their article, which seeks to redefine direct instruction within sports coaching pedagogy. They argue that direct instruction has been unfairly characterized as solely telling athletes what to do, ignoring its broader implications in effective coaching practices. By engaging with educational psychology literature, they suggest that direct instruction can indeed have significant benefits when applied thoughtfully. This perspective aims to challenge current misconceptions and invite coaches to reevaluate the role of direct instruction in their teaching methodologies.
The Influence of Social Media on Coaching Discourse
The guests discuss the impact of social media platforms, particularly Twitter, on the discourse surrounding coaching practices. They note that while social media has facilitated the sharing of ideas, it has also contributed to oversimplified dichotomies between different coaching methods. Calls for a binary approach—either direct instruction or constructivist methods—have led to confusion, overshadowing the nuances necessary for effective coaching. This observation emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how different instructional approaches can coexist within coaching.
Importance of Context in Coaching
Cope and Cushion stress the need for coaches to consider context when determining the appropriateness of instructional methods. They argue that different coaching situations and the varying needs of athletes require flexible approaches rather than rigid adherence to one methodology. This perspective posits that quality and appropriateness of the coaching experience should be prioritized over frequency or type of instruction. By focusing on individual learner needs, coaches can create more engaging and effective learning environments.
Balancing Fun and Learning in Coaching
A critical aspect of the discussion centers around the balance between allowing players to enjoy their sport and the necessity of instruction for skill development. Coaches often face the dilemma of providing guidance while also fostering an environment where players can play freely. The guests argue that enjoyment is intrinsically linked to perceived competence; thus, effective instruction enhances the joy of participation. This suggests that rather than halting direct instruction altogether, it should be seen as a strategic component essential for long-term engagement and development.
The Need for Diversity in Coaching Strategies
The episode encourages coaches to adopt a diverse toolbox of strategies rather than being confined to a singular approach. Both guests emphasize the need for understanding the diverse ways athletes learn and the contexts that shape these learning experiences. They argue that embracing various instructional methods—whether direct or indirect—can enrich coaching practices and player development alike. This holistic approach aims to encourage open-mindedness among coaches, promoting a culture where all methods contribute toward effective teaching.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Ed Cope & Prof Chris Cushion.
Ed is a lecturer in Sport Coaching at Loughborough University. He completed his BSc in Sport Coaching from Leeds Beckett University, his MSc in Sports Coaching Science from the University of Worcester and his PhD at the University of Bedfordshire. Ed has also worked at the English Football Association, where he was responsible for the design and development of their education courses.
Chris is Professor of Coaching and Pedagogy at Loughborough University. Starting out as a football coach, Chris has worked at every level of the game – from community schemes, grassroots football and academy professional clubs at all age levels.
Ed, Chris and I discuss a paper they have written together entitled “A Move Towards Reconceptualising Direct Instruction in Sport Coaching Pedagogy” which looks at what ‘direct instruction’ is and what it encompasses.
