Psychology research using rock band to see how people achieve flow states and wouldn't you know it. They recommend that optimal performance occurs when something is not to easy but not too hard.
"That has broad implications for teaching. It means that if we want students to enjoy or get a lot of satisfaction out of classes, we need to assign them challenging tasks but make sure that they have the skills necessary to meet the challenges of those tasks"
What is flow?
Flow is a state of mind that occurs when people become totally immersed in what they are doing and lose all sense of time. It's an intrinsically motivating state, which means that people are engaged in the task for the pure enjoyment of performing the task and not for some extrinsic reward.
What does the research show on achieving Flow?
Research has shown that the types of work that lead people to achieve flow have some common traits, including being goal directed, providing feedback and giving a sense of meaning to the worker. Moreover, flow occurs only when the person feels in control of the process.
I love when researchers use video games. Anyways I don't think they found anything too ground breaking here people like to be challenged only when they feel they have been given the necessary skills to meet the challenge. Next time you write a killer workout that worked great for you think about whether the athletes have been given the skills to meet the challenge. Ask athletes "What do you think?" get their feedback. It will help them feel invested in the process rather than just following orders.
The idea of athlete investment in their own workout is a great idea and is part of why athletics is supposed to be great for people who want to become college students.
ReplyDeleteTaking responsibility for yourself as an athlete is a huge deal and its unusual when you go to a team that has never had that.. But it is a good feeling when you give someone the chance to make a choice and they do the right thing.
And, maybe you should try to link guitar hero with increasing brain plasticity for coordination... could get some research money and would be able to teach older individuals to play guitar hero =D