In which stage of skill development is augmented feedback most beneficial?

Augmented feedback is most beneficial during the initial learning phase because this stage is characterized by a significant amount of uncertainty and exploration as learners attempt to understand and acquire new skills. During this phase, individuals often struggle to make sense of their movements and the desired outcomes of the skill.

Providing augmented feedback—information that comes from an external source about performance—can help learners correct errors, refine their technique, and reinforce positive behaviors. This guidance is essential, as it helps them build a solid foundation for their future performance. It serves as a crucial motivator and can lead to quicker skill acquisition and the development of a better understanding of how to execute the skill correctly.

In the advanced performance stage, learners have typically developed their skills and may require less frequent external feedback, as they rely more on intrinsic cues. During the maintenance phase, the focus is on preserving established skills, where too much feedback could disrupt the flow of performance. The recovery phase involves returning to skill execution after an injury, where learners may need different types of feedback to rebuild confidence and ability, rather than the direct instructional focus of the initial phase.