Investigating a Coach's Facilitation of Learning Situations Among Masters and Youth Athletes

Abstract

This thesis aimed to uncover age-related differences in a coach’s approaches to facilitate learning for Masters athletes (MAs) and youth athletes, using the Andragogy in Practice Model (Knowles et al., 2012) as a guide. Data in this instrumental case study were gathered from three semi-structured coach interviews, four focus group interviews (two with each cohort), and moderate participant observation (Spradley, 1980) to inform interview content. Results of qualitative analyses suggested, through the coach and athletes’ perspectives, that the coach oriented her approaches differently between MAs (aged 27-70) and youth (aged 14-15). She allowed the MAs to self-direct and make decisions, and encouraged them to ask questions collaboratively. Comparatively, she held a directed control and structure for the youth’s training influenced by highly competitive expectations. Despite differences, we acknowledge andragogy’s usefulness with both cohorts, and suggest that coaches recognize nuances between age groups that may influence how they orient their approaches.