MOTOR SKILL LEARNING & CONTROL

EDPE 240

Spring 2006

Instructor: Dr. Susan Kasser Office Hours: MW 10:00 - 11:00

Office: 213 Patrick Gymnasium TR 11:00 - 12:00

Phone: 656-7742 email: Susan.Kasser@ uvm.edu

Please call for an appointment if these times do not match your schedule or if you just want to pre-schedule a time with me.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course will expose students to the theoretical perspectives and current principles associated with the control and learning of movement skills. Specifically, the neural and mechanical mechanisms underlying motor behavior and the variables influencing motor learning will be addressed. Throughout the course, application of theoretical concepts to instructional and clinical settings will be emphasized.

REQUIRED TEXT

Magill, R.A. (2004). Motor learning and control: concepts and applications (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, each student will:

1.  Understand the general classification of motor skills.

2.  Realize that performing voluntary coordinated movement requires motor control and attention.

3.  Be more familiar with the theories that attempt to explain how movement skills are controlled and learned.

4.  Understand the various measurement techniques used to examine motor performance and distinguish temporary changes in performance from the relatively permanent changes that accompany learning.

5.  Understand and identify the variables that influence the learning of movement skills.

6. Become familiar with the techniques and strategies a practitioner and or clinician can employ to enhance learning and subsequent retention of movement skills.

COURSE CONTENT

During the first portion of the course, the control and coordination of movement will be emphasized. Student learning will be invited through the use of study guides, group discussion, and teacher lecture. The majority of the semester will then focus on the learning of motor skills. Group discussions and laboratory experiences will be used to demonstrate the practical application of principles and concepts.

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION

The course will emphasize practical application of topics discussed in class. As such, attendance and participation are critical to the achievement of course objectives.

You are expected to be on time, regularly attend, and enthusiastically participate in class to the best of your ability. Any absence without prior notification or arrangements with the instructor will be considered unexcused.

The total number of course points will be lowered by 3 for each unexcused absence over one (1).

GRADING PROCEDURES

To successfully complete this course, you must accomplish the course objectives as demonstrated through the following specific tasks and assignments.

Points

Tests                                                                            60
Applied Project 30
                                    Laboratory Reports 60
Final Exam                                                                  50
         Class Assignments/ Participation 30

TOTAL 230

* Assignments will be decreased by 5 points for each day late.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

All students are required to be familiar with and adhere to the “Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures” delineated in the most recent edition of “The Cat’s Tale” <http://www.uvm.edu/~dosa/handbook/

OVERVIEW OF ASSIGNMENTS

Tests. Short tests will be given regularly throughout the semester to facilitate student understanding of content. Tests will be drawn from text chapters, class discussion, and related readings. Students choosing to extend their test time will be provided some options before class.

Applied Project . You will be given a specific case to which you will apply course principles and concepts. This will be developed as part of the final exam and guidelines will be provided.

Lab Reports. Written laboratory reports will be submitted upon completion of various experiences used to support course content. Guidelines for laboratory reports will be provided.

Final Exam. A final examination on the concepts and principles covered throughout the semester will be administered the end of the course.

Class Assignments. Assignments involving the weekly discussion questions or chapter worksheets will be given.

TENTATIVE BLOCK CALENDAR

Jan. 17

Introduction

Review of Syllabus

Factors Influencing Learning & Control

Jan. 19

Classification of Motor Skills

Assignment: Chapter 1; Worksheet 1

Jan. 24

Motor Abilities

Assignment: Chapter 3; Worksheet 2

Jan. 26

Motor Control: Mechanisms and Theories

Assignment: Chapter 4; Worksheet 3

Jan. 31

Measurement of Motor Control & Learning

Lab: Performance Error

Assignment: Chapter 2; Worksheet 4

Feb. 2

Movement Preparation & Planning
Variables Affecting Reaction Time

Assignment: Chapter 7; Worksheet 5

Feb. 7

Movement Preparation & Planning

Variables Affecting Reaction Time

Feb. 9

Test 1

Feb. 14

Neural Mechanisms Underlying Movement Control

Feb. 16

Attention & Motor Performance

Assignment: Chapter 8; Worksheet 6

Feb. 21

Visual Selection

Lab: Learner Changes and Practice

Feb. 23

Memory & Strategies

Assignment: Chapter 9; Worksheet 7

Feb. 28

Performance versus Learning
Performer Changes

Assignment: Chapter 10; Worksheet 8

March 2

Stages of Learning
Assignment: Chapter 11; Worksheet 9

March 7

No Class (Town Meeting Day)

March 9

Test 2

March 14

Transfer
Bilateral Transfer

Assignment: Chapter 12; Worksheet 10

March 16

Motivation
Practical Implications – Learning

Assignment: Reserved Reading

March 21 & 23

SPRING BREAK

March 28

Setting the Stage - Demonstrations
Lab: Observational Learning

Assignment: Chapter 13; Worksheet 11

March 30

Verbal Instructions and Cues

April 4& 6

Feedback

Assignment: Chapter 14; Worksheet 12

April 11

Practice Conditions
Lab: Organizing Practice

Assignment: Chapter 15; Worksheet 13

April 13

Practice Conditions

Assignment: Chapter 16 & 17

April 18

Test 3

April 20

Mental Practice

Assignment: Chapter 18

April 25

Facilitating Performance - Applications

April 27

Principles of Practice – Guidelines for Effective Instruction

May 2

Review for Final (Final – May 10^th at 8:00 am)