Applied Coaching Research Journal Volume 1 | Page 55
APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2018, Vol. 1
The reader can easily navigate through each chapter
with the opportunity to learn and reflect using
worksheets to practise the mind mapping technique
and set personal targets for development. An
example is the mind-mapping speed test (Part 1,
pp. 43-58), an activity in recalling technical/topic
information within a given amount of time. This is
one of several activities that lets the reader analyse
personal performance and areas for improvement.
In addition, the guide provides the reader with
ready-made templates and vocabularies, helping the
coach to apply reflective practice throughout using
a theoretical basis; it includes useful frameworks/
models such as the reflective practice model (Part 4,
pp. 103-107) and the Dreyfus’ skill-acquisition
model (Part 2, pp. 62-77) which assesses which
stage of skill acquisition the individual is at and how
they are currently practising. In the final part of
the resource, the reader is able to examine how the
principles that they have learnt can be applied to
their own players. One such example is the stages of
skill development (Part 5, pp. 112-116) which helps
the coach recognise what stage of learning and skill
development the player is performing at, enabling
the coach to provide better quality feedback
to players. However, the sandwich approach to
feedback (Part 5, pp.117-118) referenced in the
guide may be somewhat outdated, with some critics
suggesting that learners are less likely to assimilate
positive comments when negative feedback is
“sandwiched” in-between (Von Bergen et al, 2014).
It may be useful to examine the benefits of more
novel feedback approaches.
Nonetheless, a particular strength of this learning
resource is the un-convoluted language, encouraging
tone and the non-lengthy chapters, making it
an accessible resource for a variety of different
coaches. Additionally, the resource can be revisited
multiple times to assess progress and development.
Ultimately, the resource allows the reader to gain
an understanding of implementing critiquing into
coaching practice and acknowledges that to become
expert mistakes will be made, allowing the novice to
confidently move towards better practice.
References
Gervis, M. and Williams, T. (2017) The Coach’s Guide
to Mind Mapping. Exeter: Meyer and Meyer.
Nash, C. and Sproule, J. (2011) ‘Insights into
Experiences: Reflections of an Expert and Novice
Coach’, International Journal of Sports Science and
Coaching, 6 (1).
Von Bergen, C.W., Bressler, M.S. and Campbell, K.
(2014) ‘The sandwich feedback method: Not very
tasty’, Journal of Behavioural Studies in Business,
7: 1-13.
Contact
Ann-Marie Bunyan – [email protected]
55