
Cognitive Theory (Gestalt, Insight Learning & Intervening Variables)
A Level PE – Skill Acquisition (OCR)
Complete Lesson + Matching Student Notes
This lesson explores Cognitive Theory, giving students a clear understanding of Gestalt principles, insight learning, whole-problem solving and intervening variables. The lesson also includes a clear explanation of Kohler’s Chimpanzee Insight Learning Experiment, helping students connect theory with real-world psychology and sporting performance.
The PowerPoint follows a clean, simple structure and the accompanying student notes match the slides exactly, making this ideal for workbooks, revision, homework or independent learning. Paired tasks, group activities and exam-style questions ensure strong understanding and application.
What’s Included
Full PowerPoint lesson (clean, minimalist layout)
Matching student notes workbook (editable Word)
Gestalt Theory explained clearly
Insight learning + “lightbulb moment” problem solving
Intervening variables (decision-making factors in sport)
Kohler’s Chimpanzee experiment explained simply
Sports-based examples (rugby kicker, basketball PG, swimming stroke)
Paired examples activity
Group coaching-design task
4-mark and 6-mark exam questions
Learning Objectives
Students will:
✔ Understand Gestalt and cognitive learning processes
✔ Explain insight learning and apply it to sport
✔ Identify intervening variables influencing decisions
✔ Compare cognitive learning with operant conditioning
✔ Build exam technique using structured questions
Why Teachers Love This Resource
Clear and accessible for all learners
Student notes mirror the PowerPoint for easy delivery
SEN-friendly spacing and layout
Packed with applied sporting examples
No copyright issues
Perfect for specialists, non-specialists and trainees
See MrSportandPE for the full unit and more…
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