There is no prerequisite for this module

In this module students will examine how complex motor skills are acquired and movements controlled. Class time will consist of a combination of lectures, individual exercises, group discussions, and formative assignment practice. Over the course of the module you will experience scientific research relating to the following topics:
The characteristics of skill and how skilled movements are controlled. Theories of movement control; information processing models and dynamical systems.
Theories of learning and the learning/coaching process. Because of the coaching focus in the module there will be an emphasis on the instruction process, examining
the neural basic of observational learning and modeling. Concentration and attention structuring the practice environment, and contextual interference. Without feedback learning is at best inefficient, therefore issues around the frequency, timing and organization of feedback will be covered. Along with the role of physical guidance.
Applied topics around expert- novice differences and the ability to execute skills under extreme pressure will be examined.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Review and Critique theories of skill acquisition and explain how they can inform practice.
LO2: Demonstrate how aspects of learning environment can be effectively manipulated
LO3: Identify learning challenges for the coach and performer and design interventions to resolve them.
LO4: Design and evaluate a study to test the predictions of theory to the applied coaching context.