Practice stages refer to the different phases individuals go through when learning a new skill or activity. These stages help learners progress from initial exposure to mastery. Typically, the stages include cognitive, associative, and autonomous. In the cognitive stage, learners understand the basics and make many mistakes. As they move to the associative stage, they refine their skills and reduce errors through practice. Finally, in the autonomous stage, the skill becomes second nature, allowing for smooth and efficient performance. Understanding these stages can enhance the learning process and improve skill acquisition.