A FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING PRE-PRACTICE CONDITIONS AND THEIR IMPACT ON LEARNING

The purpose of this paper is to describe a framework for delineating t hose conditions that might affect the utility and effectiveness of pra ctice in training. The framework includes factors that occur prior to, during, and after practice. Pre-practice conditions, such as attentio nal advice, advance organizers, goal orientation, and pre-training bri efs, are designed to make the time spent in practice more efficient an d useful. This paper first reviews the existing literature concerning the pre-practice conditions that have been identified. Next, a descrip tion of the underlying mechanisms for each pre-practice condition is s uggested, and a set of propositions regarding these conditions is offe red. Finally, past findings are summarized regarding pre-practice cond itions and provide an agenda for future research.