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A skill is referred to the ability to perform some complex tasks smoothly and efficiently. It consists of a chain of perceptual motor responses or a sequence of stimulus-response associations.
The stages of development of skill learning are as follows:
(i) Cognitive − The learner has to understand and memorise the instructions to perform a task. In this, every external instruction has to be kept in the consciousness.
(ii) Associative − Different sensory inputs or stimuli are linked with appropriate responses. Further, errors decrease, time taken is reduced and performance improves with increase in practice.
(iii) Autonomous − The attentional demands of the associative stage decrease and interference of external factors is reduced. Skilled performance attains automaticity with minimal demands on conscious effort.