User:Ianh/Forms of practice

Practice can come in a range of forms - each with advantages and disadvantages.

Blocked	AAAAAAAAAAAA	A single exercise is repeated a lot of times
	Drills a component of a skill until the movement becomes automatic Can become boring, so that the student looses focus The reduced focus reduces long term retention
Series	AAABBBCCCDDD	Several different exercises are repeating in order
Varied	ABCDABCDABCD	Several different exercises are repeating in sequence
	Drills the components of a skill in their natural sequence
Random	ABCDBCABDBCA	Several different exercises are repeating in a random order
	The mixture of exercises retains focus and promotes better analysis The greater focus improves long term retention
Bilateral	AaAaAaAVAVAV	A single exercise is repeated on left and right, maybe forwards and backwards
Augmented	AAA BBB AAA	Exercises are repeating - but with rests between sets
Observational		Extra understanding of a skill is gained by observing others