The Domains of Learning
Educators recognize three domains of learning. These are:- Cognitive.
- Psychomotor.
- Affective.
What exactly do each of these domains entail?
Cognitive Skills
Cognitive skills are those having to do with the rote memorization of facts or the application of intellectual abilities. For example:
- “List the three state of buoyancy and give examples of each.”
- “Using the US Navy Dive Tables, calculate the repetitive group a diver will be in after a 36-minute dive to 57 feet, followed by a 48-minute surface interval.”
Cognitive skills are those we most frequently associate with academic learning.
Psychomotor Skills
Psychomotor skills involve the ability to accomplish specific physical tasks. For example:
- “Recover, clear and resume breathing from a regulator second stage that has fallen behind the shoulder.”
- “Through a combination of proper weighting, BC use and controlled breathing, achieve neutral buoyancy and hover at a depth of 15 feet for no less than three minutes.”
We most frequently associate psychomotor skills with confined- and open-water training.
Affective Skills
This is an area to which too many dive educators pay too little attention. Affective skills are those having to do with attitudes and beliefs. For example:
- “Maintain awareness of your buddy’s location and needs at all times.”
- “Demonstrate respect for the fragile aquatic environment.”
- “Listen to and follow the instructions given during dive boat briefings.”
- “Follow standard Safe Diving Practices.”
While we associate cognitive skills with the classroom and psychomotor skills with the pool and open water, it’s tougher for most of us to define exactly how, when are where our students are supposed to master the affective skills associated with learning to dive. Yet affective learning has a direct bearing on our student’s safety and well being.
The best ways to ensure mastery »
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