What term describes the process of continually practicing complex skills during training?

The term that describes the process of continually practicing complex skills during training is over-learning. This concept emphasizes that once a skill has been initially learned, continuing to practice it beyond the point of initial mastery solidifies that skill in long-term memory and enhances performance. Over-learning helps to create automaticity, where a skill can be performed with minimal conscious effort, allowing the individual to respond more effectively in various situations, especially under stress or in challenging environments.

In a training context, over-learning can lead to greater confidence and proficiency, as the repetition allows the trainee to fully understand the nuances and intricacies of the skills being taught. This is especially important in scenarios where skills must be executed quickly and accurately, such as in diving or emergency response training. By encouraging over-learning, instructors can help ensure that learners have fully absorbed the skills and can utilize them effectively when needed.