• Cognitive
• Associative
• Autonomous

Cognitive

• Acquisition of skills through thought, experience and information processing.
• Includes conceptualization and formation of a mental image to reproduce an action.
• Feedback is key to minimize fine and gross errors.
• Information overload should be avoided.

Associative

• Focused towards skill refinement through practice.
• Once the cognitive skill is acquired, regular practice harmonizes the information in the brain and its implementation through muscle movement, building muscle memory.
• As the learner’s kinaesthetic sense improves, their fluency in the skill develops, so does their confidence in pulling off the skill.

Autonomous

• An advanced stage where a skill has been mastered and muscle memory is built enough to provide maximum fluidity in action.
• Maximum acquirement of kinaesthetic sense and potential to improvise.
• Complex skills demand more time to reach the autonomous stage. Constant, routined practice and motivation is required.