BPE1203 Motor learning and skill acquisition

Underlying processes by which humans learn controlled skilled movements, information processing operations; input, decision making, output, feedback, sensory and central processor contributions to motor control. Training variables; practice, attention and focus. Learning new skills; classifying skills (open or closed), self-paced, and externally paced, timing, evaluation, fixation, retention, memory transfer, coordination and performance of skilled movements, Individual differences and capabilities.

Course objectives
By the end of this course the student should be able to:

• Classify skills using relevant sporting examples
• Examine the processes by which humans learn controlled skilled movements
• Explain the factors that affect skill acquisition, learning and transfer
• Discuss the factors leading to individual differences and capabilities and ways of optimizing performance through the learning processes
• Explain the information processing operations and training variables in relation to skill acquisition.

Learning Outcomes 

• This course investigates principles of human performance and acquisition of motor skills. Attention is principally devoted to learning theories, reinforcement, transfer, massed and distributed practice schedules, closed and open skills, motivation, feedback, arousal, motor control system, and retention of motor skills.