Which practice involves breaking a skill into its components and practicing them separately?

The practice that involves breaking a skill into its components and practicing them separately is known as part practice. This method is particularly beneficial when a skill consists of distinct elements that can be individually learned before being combined into a complete task. For example, in a complex motor skill like a gymnastics routine, an athlete might practice each individual move or segment separately to ensure proficiency before attempting to perform the entire routine.

Part practice is effective because it allows learners to focus on mastering simpler components, which can lead to greater confidence and competence when the elements are later combined. It can also help reduce cognitive overload, as learners can dedicate their attention to smaller parts of the skill rather than trying to learn everything at once. This method contrasts with approaches that advocate for practicing the whole skill at once, which may be overwhelming for beginners or when the task is particularly complex.