Successful coach learning: Digital workbook informed by pedagogical principles

Abstract

This study was based on the hypothesis that advances in cognitive science may be helpful for Coach DevelopmentPrograms. We wondered: How can a learning tool such as a digital workbook that is informed by evidence-basedpedagogical principles be helpful for coach development? After designing the learning material, based on the cognitivetheory of multimedia learning, the digital workbook was used in a coach development program that aimed to improvecoaches’ need-supportiveness. Ten coaches at an elite sport school in Norway attended the program over a season, andafterwards they were asked whether the learning material had contributed to their knowledge of need-supportive skills.Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed visualization, awareness, and transfer to one’s practice as the three mainthemes describing the educational value of the digital workbook. The materialshowedthe coaches how need-support canbe acted out in a sport-specific context. Additionally, the learning material resulted in increased engagement andawareness through coaches’ reflections, which is an important step towards integrating new material to prior knowledgeand create meaningful learning. Finally, the coaches highlighted transfer of the presented learning material to theirpractice experiences. We conclude that cognitive science may have useful implications for the design of effective learningmaterials for coach development programs.