HHP 3023 MOTOR LEARNING & CONTROL

SPRING 2007

 

Instructor:

Caleb Harrison, MS                                                                 harrison.caleb@gmail.com       

Department of Health and Human Performance             Office: Women’s Basketball

Lambuth University                                                                   Phone: 812 243 6574

 

Catalog Description:

The study of the process of acquisition of the psychomotor skill and the neuromuscular function in the control of movement.

 

Course Overview:

Motor learning and control will be viewed from neurological, developmental, psychological, and emotional paradigms.  Critical thought will be given to how a physical educator can enhance a student’s motor control through manipulating the learning environment.

 

Course Objectives

  1. Demonstrate an adequate knowledge of basic anatomical and mechanical concepts and physical laws underlying sports skills.
  2. Participate in class demonstrations, basic instructions, remediation and evaluation of selected sport skills.
  3. Understand and apply learning theories to the practice and performance of motor skills.
  4. Demonstrate techniques for diagnosing students’ movement abilities.
  5. Observe and categorize students’ fundamental motor patterns into developmental levels.
  6. Demonstrate ability to communicate orally and in written form, emphasizing the use of the computer to assist in the process.

 

Required Text: 

Schmidt, R.A. & Wrisberg, C.A. (2004).  Motor Learning and Performance.  A problem based learning approach. (3rd ed).  Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

 

Educational Opportunities:

Through lectures, demonstrations, observation, discussions, problem-solving, field work, research and use of visual aids and other supplementary information, students will gain an understanding of the principles that underlie motor learning and control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluation & Grading:

Ø      Assessment:

1.      Mid Term                                                                                       15%

2.      Final Exam                                                                         15%

3.   Task Analysis                                                                                 25%

4.   Research Article Abstract                                                               20%

5.   Principles of Motor Learning Paper                                     25%

 

Grading Scale-             A = 90-100

                                                B= 80-89

                                                C= 70-79

                                                D= 60-69

                                                F= Below 60

Student Responsibilites-

Student is responsible for attending all classes and participating in all class discussions and activities.  Student is responsible for academic honesty.  Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, giving information to or receiving information from another individual or illegitimate source.

 

Attendance Policy:

A major who is taking this course may have only 3 unexcused absences.  If you are late to class twice then it will count as an unexcused absence.  All excused absences need to be personally taken up with the instructor.

 

Activity Guidelines:

 

This assignment has four major parts – needs assessment, develop of program, delivery of program and evaluation of program.  The entire assignment is worth 200 points with each part worth 50 points.

 

A.        Task Analysis Writeup                                                                Due: Feb. 13th

Perform a task analysis for the skills given in class.  For each skill take into consideration the environmental demands, movement demands, and pacing of the skill.  Determine whether the skill is discrete, serial, or continous.

 

B.        Research Article Abstract                                                           Due: March 6th

Find a research article related to motor learning that interests you.  For the article write an abstract briefing the experiment and the result of the experiment.  Also include how the knowledge of this research will affect you in your field of work.

 

C.        Principles of Motor Learning Paper                               Due: April 16th

Based on motor learning principles write a position paper on how coaches and physical educators need to structure their practice environments in order to enhance the acquisition of motor movements.