Modelling skill acquisition in acquired brain injury

Abstract

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a debilitating condition often requiring extensive rehabilitation. Although cognitive rehabilitation is concerned with overcoming a skills deficit, the application of skill acquisition research in this context has been non-existent. Examining post-injury learning in terms of the qualitative variables associated with different phases of skill acquisition is likely to be beneficial in assessing patient status and monitoring progress, as well as identifying changing needs over the course of learning. However, current models of skill acquisition overlook the potential impact of variables such as emotion, implicit learning, metacognition, motivation, and strategies that can be leveraged to improve skill acquisition. The current paper attempts to lay the groundwork for modelling and improving skill acquisition in ABI.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement is made to Leanne Brearley for her completion of Figure 1; to Dr Kathy Armstrong for her contribution of ideas to this manuscript; and to Michael Sankey for his completion of Figure 2.