What is whole part whole practice?

Whole-part-whole practice is a teaching method used in skill acquisition that involves three stages: first, the learner practices the entire skill or task (whole); second, they break down the skill into its individual components for focused practice (part); and finally, they return to practicing the complete skill again (whole). This approach helps learners understand the overall context of the skill while allowing them to refine specific elements, ultimately enhancing performance and retention. It is particularly effective in sports, music, and other complex tasks.