Waves Crests and Troughs - Qualitative Observa;ons of Children at Varying Points of the Spectrum of Aquatic Competence

Introduction
Water affords multifaceted possibilities for movement responses, which is why educators should facilitate representative learning tasks with an emphasis on aquatic literacy. A nuanced approach should be adopted that goes beyond the traditional focus on stroke techniques. This will improve children's competences in aquatic environments and increase their confidence. The diagnostic of a learner’s skill level plays a crucial role in planning swimming lessons that are
learner-centered and consider individual differences. A structured diagnostic (such as the The Owl's Eye, Staub et al., 2024) is necessary to monitor a learner’s progress. It also serves as feedback for educators and enables them to adapt lesson objectives that suit the learners’ requirements. Observing
and contextualizing skills during a lesson provide valuable insights that supplement structured unit plans of aquatic skill development. Therefore, this study aims to analyze children's behavior with varying skill levels during aquatic-based lessons.

Methods
We apply a multi-step analysis, starting with reconstructive videography to capture natural movement behaviors. We use sequential image analysis (based on the documentary method by Bohnsack, 2011) to describe movement elements and interactions with the water. Recurring movement patterns and motor strategies are identified through typology formation, followed by a contextualization of results within the existing literature on aquatic and water safety education.

Results
A substantial proportion of children engage in "movement simulation" rather than fully controlled actions. Their action capabilities are influenced by various factors and show emergent movement responses such as gliding that is stopped abruptly. All movements are characterized by a high frequency and amplitude, particularly in the legs. The children often stop their swimming movements, indicating instability in the mastery of the tasks (i.e., maintaining streamlined posi(ons and control when gliding).

Discussion
The movement pawerns reveal a dis(nc(on between simulated and skillful ac(ons. Due to an inconsistency and instability associated with novice learners, their movements lack the coordination necessary for achieving various task goals. Poor breath control in water provides a plausible explanation for the disruption in sustaining movements. This disintegration underpins the coordination of functional aquatic-based motor skills and breathing techniques for seamless performance in aquatic environments.

References

Bohnsack, R. (2011). Qualitative Bild- und Videointerpretation: Die dokumentarische Methode (2. Aufl.) [eBook]. Barbara Budrich.

Staub, I., Fokken, I., Brinkschulte, M., Schlapkohl, N., Sauerbier, E., & Vogt, T. (2024). Development of a Diagnostic Procedure for Swimming Skill Analysis: The Owl's Eye. In Book of abstracts: The 2024 AIESEP International Conference "Past meets the Future" (pp. 129-130). University Jyväskylä.