Course Syllabus

H &HP 4240 Fall 2006

Introduction to Motor Learning

Instructor: Dr. Gregg Steinberg

Office: 273 Dunn Center

Phone: 221-6113

Class Time: TUTH 2:20-3:45

E-Mail: Steinbergg@apsu.edu

Office Hours: MWTh 10:30-11:30, MW 2:10-3:10 Friday by appointment  

Textbook: A Practical Guide to Motor Learning (2000) by Young, LaCourse, and Husak

Course Description

Introduction to motor learning provides the student the opportunity to apply theoretical constructs and strategies to the psychomotor domain. This course has a multitude of experiences which illustrate the variables involved in acquiring motor skills.

Course level and Credit

Upper level course offering three semester hours of credit

Prerequisite

Upper level standing or permission of chairman

Purpose of the Course

The purpose of Introduction to Motor Learning is to introduce to the student the theoretical principles associated with the acquisition of motor skills. The course also represents how these theories may be applied to teaching methodologies. Ultimately, this course is set up so the student can become a better teacher of physical education.

Course Objectives

At the completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Understand the basics of scientific thinking

2. Understand how memory impacts learning and apply this knowledge to instructional techniques

3. Understand the stages associated with learning

4. Understand the stages of the information processing model

5. Know how attentional processes can influence motor skill acquisition

6. Know the different types of feedback and which is best to learn motor skills

7. Describe the best ways to practice a motor skill

8. Understand and apply appropriate motivational techniques to learners

9. Understand how anxiety affects motor learning

Course Content (tentative)

Date Topic Assignment

Week 1 Introduction

• chap 1

• Motor Learning History

• Motor Learning as Science            

•  Lab 1

Week 2 Error Measurements and Principles of movement

• Lab 2, Chap 1 and Chap 2

Week 3 Information Processing Model

•  Chap. 3

• stages of learning

• Lab 3

Week 4 and 5 Perceptual Processes

• Chapt 4 and 8

• Attentional theories 

• Lab 4

Test 1

Week 6 Decision making

• visual search strategies

• Hicks Law

• lab 5 

Week 7 Memory

• Chapt 7

• written assignment 1 due

Week 8 Motivation

•     chapter 9

Week 9 Anxiety

• chapt 9

• lab 6

Test 2

Week 10 Augmented Feedback

• Chapt 10

• lab 7

Week 11 Practice Conditions

• chapt 11

• Imagery

• lab 8

Week 12 Transfer

• chapt 12

Week 13 Sport psychology Theories

• written assignment 2 due

Test 3

Instructional Procedure

A variety of methods and techniques including lectures, assignments and videos will be used in this class. Each will be part of your evaluation in this class.

Course Evaluation

There will be three exams given, 10 homework assignments, 1 written assignments and approximately 8 labs during the semester and each will be counted toward your total points. Each will be given an announced number of points. Your final grade will be based on the following total points from each assignment.

Test 1 100 points

Test 2 100 points

Test 3 100 points

Homework 100 points (10 assignments at 10 points each)

Written assignment1= 20 points Written assignment 2 =40 points

Lab assignments 40 points (8 labs at 5 points each)

Attendance ?%

Total            500 points

Grades will be based on the following scale:

450 points and higher = A

400-449 = B

350-399 = C

300-349 = D

299 and below =F

Description of Grading Assignments and Learning resources

Exams: Test 1, 2, 3 will be based on readings from the text, lectures and videos seen in class. Exams will be multiple choice and short essays and will be approximately 50 questions. No Make-up exams will be given unless student calls prior to or the day of the test with an appropriate excuse. Student must be on time to take the quiz.

Lab Assignments: There will be approximately 8 laboratory assignments throughout the class.

Written assignment: There will be two written assignments required for this class. Further discussion on each will be given during the semester. Papers are expected to be typewritten, and grade will be based on style as well as content.

Homework will consist of answering questions from text and turning them in at appropriate time. Late entries will have point deductions.

Attendance: Students will be rewarded the following points for attending class and points will be subtracted for excessive absences. There are no excuses for absences.

Students must be here on time to be counted as attending class. Tardiness will not be tolerated.

0 absences 10 points added to final grade

1 absence 05 points added to final grade

2 absences 0 points

3 absences  05 points subtracted from grade

4 absences 10 points subtracted from grade

5 absences or more 40 points subtracted from grade

Disability Policy

Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss the matter, or you may contact Disability Services; 221-6230

Academic and Classroom Misconduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriate at all times. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Students must read the  A Code of Student Conduct@ in the new student handbook for an understanding of what is expected of them within an academic setting.  Due to the large number of students using phones and beepers, students are requested to turn off all electronic devices prior to entering class. Students who do not comply to this policy will be asked to leave. Children are not allowed in the classroom, according to new policies.

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances