Creating an Optimal Coaching Environment for Learning

By James Marley

Abstract

Learning environments play an essential role in the development of athletes, and the creation of an effective learning environment is of primary importance to the role of the coach. Typically, research into learning environments has focused, almost exclusively, on the psychological element of the environment, specifically through the prism of motivational climate. However, a strict focus on the psychological dynamics of the learning environment has led to an incomplete picture of how to foster positive environments for players to learn and develop. Utilising the TARGET (task, authority, rewards, grouping, evaluation and time) framework, this chapter seeks to help coaches navigate the psychological, sociological and pedagogical dynamics, and complexities of the learning environment.