27331 Skill Acquisition

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

This subject examines the processes underlying skilled motor performance, how skilled performances are learned and how to apply the principles of skilled performance and learning in instructional settings in human movement such as teaching, coaching and rehabilitation.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Comprehend the principles underlying the learning of skilled movements.
2. Understand the training factors that influence acquisition and retention of skilled movements.
3. Apply the principles of skilled performance in various human movement settings such as teaching, coaching, training and rehabilitation.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject provides students with conceptual knowledge and skills related to: the functional properties of the motor system; how skills operate; the principles of skilled movement and learning; and the instructional strategies necessary for maximising the learning of movement patterns in teaching, coaching and rehabilitation settings. It serves as a basis for the study of biomechanical and physiological efficiency of human movement and for the learning and performance of a variety of sport and physical activities.

Teaching and learning strategies

A range of face-to-face and online (UTSOnline) teaching strategies will be used in the delivery of the subject. Lectures involve face-to-face content delivery and also employ a wide range of media and electronic resources to enhance appreciation of the theoretical concepts covered. Laboratory sessions allow students to interact with theoretical concepts in a practical 'hands on' manner. A comprehensive project is included for which students are to devise, participate and assess a training program designed to learn a novel skill movement.

Content

• Skill variety, defining and classifying skills, performance and learning
• Information processing, attention, reaction and movement time, memory systems
• Sensory systems, closed loop control, visual control
• Motor program theory, open loop control, generalised motor programs
• Motor control and movement accuracy, relative timing, accuracy determinants, speed distance, accuracy, speed/accuracy trade off
• Individual differences, ability and capacities, general motor ability, specificity, skill classification, task analysis, prediction and selection
• Motor learning, definition, measurement of learning, learning vs. performance, transfer of learning
• Designing practice, stages of learning, before practice, principles of practice, organising and scheduling practice
• Feedback and skill learning, classifications and functions, using feedback for skill learning

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Mid Semester Examination (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Skills Training Project (Individual/Group)

Assessment item 3: Final Exam (Individual)