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In this episode of The Adaptive Coach podcast, I speak with David Farrokh, a PhD candidate at Sheffield Hallam University, about ecological dynamics and its implications for coaching and motor learning. We explore the theoretical foundations of ecological dynamics, including the contributions of James Gibson and dynamical systems theory, and discuss practical applications in coaching through the constraints-led approach. The conversation also delves into the perception-action relationship, self-organisation, attention, and the future directions of ecological dynamics research.
Takeaways
Ecological dynamics integrates ecological psychology and dynamical systems theory.
The coach's role is to design representative learning environments.
Perception is direct and unmediated, shaped by affordances.
Understanding affordances is crucial for skill development.
The constraints-led approach emphasises the importance of context in learning.
Self-organisation is a key concept in understanding motor learning.
Attention is an adaptive relationship that supports action.
Coaches should focus on the edges of affordances in training.
Empirical research in ecological dynamics is growing and evolving.
There is potential for common ground between ecological dynamics and active inference.
Sound Bites
"Perception is how we arrive at our experience."
"What can I actually do?"
"Look for the edges of affordances."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ecological Dynamics
04:28 Understanding Ecological Psychology
07:51 The Concept of Affordances
10:45 Direct Perception and Its Implications
13:30 Dynamical Systems Theory
16:37 Ecological Dynamics in Coaching
19:43 Practical Applications of Ecological Dynamics
22:31 The Perception-Action Relationship
25:29 Constraints-Led Approach in Coaching
28:48 Reflections on Coaching Practices
41:37 Exploring Lawful Possibilities in Learning
44:20 Understanding the Constraints-Led Approach
52:53 The Role of the Coach in Constraints-Led Learning
01:03:20 Self-Organis
ation vs. Adaptable Behavior
01:09:30 Advice for Coaches on Ecological Dynamics
01:14:14 Future Directions in Ecological Dynamics
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